The risk of dying in a fire for those aged 65 and over is more than twice as high as the average risk for all ages.
That is why Cheshire Fire and Rescue Service is supporting Ageing Safely Week 2014, from 29th September to 5th October, and firefighters across the county will be meeting the older people of their communities to talk to them about how they can keep themselves safe.
This national campaign is led by the Chief Fire Officers' Association (CFOA), with the week of activities encompassing UK Older People's Day on October 1st.
Wilmslow firefighters will be meeting older people across Alderley Edge on Monday, 29th September - giving home fire safety advice, health and fitness awareness and giving details of other agencies that can be helpful later.
Research shows that older people are at highest risk of fire in the home – those over the age of 80 are 10 times more likely to die in a fire than those aged 30 or under. Even a small fire can impact on an older person's quality of life, resulting in an individual losing confidence in his or her ability to remain safe whilst living independently.
Head of Prevention and Protection Keith Brooks said: "This campaign week is a great opportunity for us to engage with older people and make sure they take away some important fire safety advice and information."
