Firefighters in Wyre Forest are supporting the Chief Fire Officers Association’s Ageing Safely Week.

Running for the first time this year, in conjunction with UK Older People’s Day on Wednesday, October 1, the scheme will see Fire and Rescue Services across the country deliver messages to help keep older people safe.

Statistics show that the risk of dying in a fire for those aged over 65 is more than twice as high as the average risk for all ages.

With an ever-increasing older population – an estimated 23 per cent of the UK will be aged over 65 by 2035 – activities to help older people prevent fires and keep themselves safe are likely to form a growing part of the fire service’s work over the coming years.

Station Commander Alan Haley, of Hereford and Worcester Fire and Rescue Service, said: “We identify those who are most at risk in their community, and undertake targeted prevention and protection activities to help them stay safe.

“In the year 2012/13, fire service staff carried out nearly 4,000 home fire safety checks to households where there are vulnerable people and more than 2,000 of these were households with a person over the age of 70.

“This is just a small part of the work that the fire service does with older people.

“We work closer with partner agencies to share resources and expertise and deliver integrated services to the local community to ensure that those most vulnerable are getting the help they need.”

Peter Dartford, president of the Chief Fire Officers Association, said: “Ageing Safely Week gives Fire and Rescue Services the opportunity to demonstrate their commitment to protecting older people – particularly those who are vulnerable and may be most at risk.”

For more information about a free home fire safety check and whether you would qualify, contact the Community Safety department on 0800 032 1155.