FRNSW research shows that those over 65 have accounted for 50 per cent of all fire fatalities in NSW over the past five years.
To address the trend, FRNSW is promoting its Safety Visit program, designed to educate the community about common household fire dangers.
The program involves firefighters helping residents to create an escape plan at home, stressing the importance of keeping a key in any deadlock to assist in an urgent exit.
Firefighters insist early warning is crucial to any fire response, so smoke alarms need to be checked regularly to make sure that they are in working order.
Under the program, FRNSW is encouraging seniors and the rest of the community to book a free Safety Visit.
Firefighters will come to your home and carry out a fire risk inspection, installing a free smoke alarm where necessary.
FRNSW Community Safety Co-ordinator, Station Officer Andrew Walker, says it’s important to remind Seniors to make sure they have created a safe environment at home.
“Our firefighters will use the week to visit homes and have a conversation around safety measures, making sure that smoke alarms are in good working order,” he said.
“Our Safety Visit program is a crucial part of the educational process and making sure that Seniors and other vulnerable members of the community especially are equipped to respond quickly to any emergency.”
Book a visit at fire.nsw.gov.au.
