Older Victorians at high risk of fire this winter

The  Victorian Metropolitan Fire Brigade (MFB) is urging all older Victorians and their carers to check their hotspots and take the proper precautions to avoid becoming victims of fire.

The renewed call comes as a result of a recent house fire fatality in Black Rock, which revealed that an elderly and bedridden woman who was also deaf and mute perished when a house fire started. It was believed she was smoking cigarettes in bed. There was no smoke alarm fitted on the premises.

MFB Commander, community education, Frank Stockton said that medication, old or damaged heating and cooking appliances, living alone, coupled with frailty and balance problems, are all factors that increase the risk of injury and death during a house fire.

“The fact that there was no smoke alarm on the premises in this case is especially disturbing. Every Victorian should ensure they have a working smoke alarm and, in particular, people with a hearing impairment should have an installed smoke alarm designed for the hearing impaired to increase their chances of survival in the event of a fire.

“Older Victorians and their carers, relatives, neighbours and friends need to work together to identify and eliminate fire risks,” he said.

The MFB recommends the following checklist for older Victorians to avoid a house fire this winter:

• never smoke cigarettes in bed
• ensure your smoke alarm is working
• never leave cooking unattended
• always keep clothing at least one metre away from all heaters
• have a fire blanket and extinguisher in the kitchen
• keep candles away from curtains or flammable material and never leave them
  burning unattended
• have a fire escape plan in place
• ensure all electrical appliances are in good working order

More information on winter fire safety can be found at www.checkyourhotspots.com