Fire and Rescue NSW offer free safety visits to keep elderly fire safe during Seniors Festival -
Published: 10 Mar 2025 10:41am
Fire and Rescue NSW (FRNSW) is focussed on reducing the risk experienced by seniors when it comes to fires in the home.
FRNSW research shows that those over 65 account for nearly 50% of house fire fatalities.
To address this trend, FRNSW is promoting its Safety Visit program during Seniors Festival (3-16 March), designed to educate the community about common household fire dangers.
As part of the program, firefighters come to your home and carry out a fire risk inspection, test your smoke alarm and if need be, install one for free.
They also offer personalised fire safety advice on devices like heaters, power boards and smoke alarms.
Some simple steps to improve fire safety in the home include:
- Check smoke alarms regularly to ensure they are in good working order
- If fire occurs, get out, stay out and dial Triple Zero (000) immediately
- Have an escape plan in case of fire and practice it regularly
- Keep a key in any deadlock to assist in an urgent exit
- Never ever leave cooking unattended
- Place drying clothing at least 1 metre from heaters or fireplaces and never leave unattended
- If you use a clothes dryer, clean the lint filter each and every time you use it
- Don't overload power points and switch off when not in use
- Always handle candles or any other open flame with care
- Only use wheat bags for direct application to body aches and pains. Wheat bags can ignite, and are not designed to replace hot water bottles for warming beds
- If you use electric blankets, never leave them switched on when you’re out or when you sleep. Always check them for damage before use and roll them when you put them away, don’t fold them.
You can book a free Safety Visit with FRNSW at https://www.fire.nsw.gov.au/visits [external link]
Quotes attributable to FRNSW Community Safety Co-ordinator, Inspector Andrew Walker:
“NSW Seniors Festival is an opportunity to remind the elderly to make sure they have a fire safe environment at home.
“People cannot smell smoke when they are asleep, so having a working smoke alarm is crucial.
“Our Safety Visit program allows us to improve the safety of some of our most vulnerable community members, and make sure they are prepared to respond quickly in an emergency.”
Updated: 10 Mar 2025 09:46am
Related safety topics
The leading cause of home fires in NSW is leaving cooking unattended.
It“s the law to have at least one working smoke alarm installed on every level of your home.
Having a home escape plan and a working smoke alarm increases your chances of getting out safely.
Learn how to prevent fires from heaters and open fires.
Details about this incident may change and should not be used as emergency information and/or advice.
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