20,000 leaflets sent out to elderly Staffordshire residents over fire danger
Around 20,000 elderly residents in Staffordshire have received a letter from the area's Chief Fire Officer as part of a safety boosting campaign.
The Service has issued a call to action to help people avoid becoming the victim of a blaze in their home.
It has sent a four-page information leaflet to around 20,000 homes in the boroughs of Newcastle and Stafford.
People are being urged to protect themselves by fitting smoke alarms on each level of their property and testing them on a regular basis.
A stamped postcard has been sent with the letter asking people to confirm that their smoke alarms have been tested, either by themselves or by someone they know.
Statistics show that the majority of people who lose their lives in accidental house fires are over 65.
Those over the age of 80 are 10 times more likely to die in a fire than those aged 30.
Chief Fire Officer Peter Dartford said: "Older people can be particularly vulnerable during the winter when the temperatures plummet, often leaving them isolated in their homes, or at increased risk of falling and suffering serious even potentially life-threatening injuries if they do venture outside and it is slippery underfoot.
"As a Service, our ethos is that prevention is far better than cure which is why we have targeted residents who are 65 and over with this mail shot and why are working closely with both Public Health England and Age UK to ensure that our residents stay as safe and healthy as possible.
"We believe that by educating people on how to protect themselves in their homes, we can literally save lives and improve health and wellbeing.
"People in this age group are at a far greater risk of becoming the victim of a house fire which is why it is absolutely vital that all possible safety precautions are taken.
"It is no exaggeration to say that having working smoke alarms fitted on each floor of your
property can save your life and your family's life."
Staffordshire is one of just three fire and rescue services taking part in the 'Winter Pressures' pilot which benefits people aged 65 and over along with vulnerable residents and those with complex needs.
As well as reducing the risk of a fire, the campaign aims to decrease health risks such as falls, loneliness and isolation which will, in turn, result in a reduction of people attending A&E, suffering broken hips and experiencing depression.
