Lend a Hand and Save a Life

A new campaign to protect elderly and vulnerable people from fire is being launched by South Yorkshire Fire & Rescue, who have revealed shocking statistics about the county’s recent fatal fires.

Of the last ten fatalities in accidental dwelling fires in South Yorkshire, six involved residents aged between 69 and 92, one involved a 57 year old and only three involved residents under the age of 50.  The majority of the victims were living alone, and nine out of the ten did not have a working smoke alarm installed.

Although the circumstances vary in each case, the statistics, which are reflected nationally, demonstrate the importance of having a smoke alarm installed and checked regularly.

In response, the Service is launching its new ‘Lend a Hand’ campaign this week, alongside Older People’s Day (October 1st) and National Grandparents’ Day (October 6th).  The campaign aims to prompt people to think about the risks that fire poses to their loved ones or neighbours.

People can literally lend them a hand by testing their smoke alarm regularly – preferably once a week.  They can also arrange for the Service to carry out a free home fire safety check in their home.

These checks help to reduce the risk of injury or death through fires in the home by identifying potential fire hazards and testing smoke alarms.  Smoke alarms can also be fitted if required.

Local firefighters or friendly fire service staff members carry out the checks and also provide advice on night time safety routines and how to plan an escape route  in case of a fire emergency.

South Yorkshire Fire & Rescue’s Head of Prevention & Protection, Jamie Courtney, said: "Although much of our prevention work already focuses on improving the safety of vulnerable groups, this campaign urges people to think about how they can help.

“By lending a hand once a week, you can ensure that your loved one or neighbour has a working smoke alarm to alert them to a fire before it’s too late.  You can also help to reduce the risk of them having a fire in the first place, by arranging a home fire safety check.

“And it’s not just the elderly who need support – there are many people in South Yorkshire who are vulnerable, live alone and may not have a working smoke alarm.  Perhaps someone like this is living next door to you.  Why not cut the information out of your local paper and pay them a visit to see if you can help?  You may just save a life.”

To arrange a free fire safety check for yourself, or an elderly or vulnerable person, call 0114 253 2314 or visit www.syfire.gov.uk.  The resident will then be contacted to arrange a convenient time to visit their home.

Top Fire Safety Tips

1) Make sure you have a working smoke alarm and test it every week.
2) Arrange for South Yorkshire Fire & Rescue to carry out a free home fire safety check in your home by calling 0114 253 2314.
3) Never tackle a fire in your home. Get out, stay out and call 999.
4) More fires start in the kitchen than in any other room and they account for 60% of fire-related injuries.  Keep the oven, hob and grill clean, as a build up of fat can start a fire.  Keep tea towels away from the heat and never use a chip pan.  Do not leave cooking unattended and double check equipment is off when finished.
5) If putting the fire or heater on, make sure it is positioned away from furnishings and ensure any gas fires are tested regularly by a Corgi-registered engineer.  Also unplug your electric blanket before you get into bed.