Older People’s Day

Firefighter with an older woman in a wheelchair

Cheshire Fire and Rescue Service is supporting Older People's Day on 1st October 2016. It's a great opportunity to highlight the important contributions that older people make to society and it helps us to raise awareness of the issues and challenges of ageing in today’s world.

Home fire safety advice for older people

As well celebrating Older People’s Day, firefighters will use the campaign to offer free Home Fire Safety Checks to people over the age of 65. This involves a member of Cheshire Fire and Rescue Service visiting your home to give you fire safety advice, discuss escape routes and fit free smoke alarms (if required).

Find out more about the FREE Home Safety Check for people over the age of 65

For people who are not quite 65 years of age, there is an online tool which helps to assess fire risk within your home and it gives you a helpful written fire plan which you can put in place:

Complete the online fire check of your home

Fire safety tips

Smoke alarms save lives, so please fit a smoke alarm and then test it regularly.

To keep your smoke alarm well maintained:

Once a year replace the battery
Once a month check the alarm by pressing the test button
Once a year vacuum and wipe the smoke alarm casing to ensure dust isn't blocking the sensor chamber
If the alarm is mains powered, switch it off first. Whatever happens, never remove the battery to use for other purposes

More information about smoke alarms

Help to keep a vulnerable older person safe

You can help to keep a vulnerable older person safe by booking a FREE Home Safety Check for them:

Find out more about FREE Home Safety Check for people over the age of 65

Alternatively, use the online tool which helps to assess fire risk within their home and produces a helpful written fire plan which you can put in place either in your own home or the home of a friend or family member.

Their smoke alarms need testing regularly too, and they might not be able to reach them. Please help them to test their smoke alarms. Check it bleeps every week!