Carlislefirefighters are joining forces with Age Concern to target important fire safety advice to older people in the city.
Print and broadcast media are invited to Age Concern’s Yewdale day-centre on Bishops Close at 1:15pm on Thursday 7 December where firefighters will deliver important fire safety advice to the people attending.
Figures show that people are 50 per cent more likely to die in an accidental house fire at Christmas with older people at most risk. People aged over 60 account for more than three quarters of all Cumbrians killed in fires during the last seven years.
The initiative is part of the government’s Christmas ‘Fire Kills’ campaign which is using television and other forms of advertising to remind families that fairy lights, candles, paper hats and decorations are all potential hazards.
Last month, Cumbria County Council voted to approve the biggest single investment in fire prevention ever seen in Cumbria with around £500,000 earmarked for more safety work and a new salary scheme for retained firefighters.
Two in every three people who die in fires do so before the Fire and Rescue Service is even called, making it a priority for firefighters and community safety officers in Cumbria to prevent fires from happening in the first place through the installation of free smoke alarms and other preventative measures.
Cumbria Fire & Rescue Service operates a freephone number (0800-358-4777) which people can call to arrange a free Home Safety Check and receive other useful safety information.
Members of the media wishing to attend the event at the Yewdale day-centre should contact Age Concern’s Susan Trafford on 01228-536673.
ENDS
Media enquiries to Mark Graham, Media Officer on 01228-606337