Working to Reduce the Fire Risk for Vulnerable People Calderdale Older People’s Partnership Delivery Group Wednesday 27 th January, 2010.

Working to Reduce the Fire Risk for Vulnerable People

Calderdale Older People’s Partnership Delivery Group

Wednesday 27th January, 2010

A Changing Role for the Fire & Rescue Service

• Historically the Fire and Rescue Service was an emergency response organisation

• Prevention is now at the top of the agenda

• Our challenge is to work with communities and partners to embed the key fire safety messages relevant to them and identify those most at risk

RespondingCalderdale District 2008/09• 1,191 fires in total, of which

• 127 accidental dwelling fires

• 9 accidental dwelling fire injuries

• main dwelling fire causes:

- 49 cooking (incl.chip pan)

- 12 smoking

- 20 electrical appliances

Older People • 50% of accidental dwelling fire deaths every year occur amongst the over 60’s

• Statistically less likely to have a smoke alarm

• Older people can be “harder to influence” via traditional media

• May be using old and unsafe electrical appliances

• Innovative ways of getting across the fire safety message

Health Certain times when an older person can be more at risk

• Discharge from hospital• Equipment at home e.g.

oxygen, electric bed• Limited mobility• Prescription drugs –

Less alert• Living alone• Visual or Hearing

Impairment

Prevention• Community Safety Teams• Target of 56,250 Home Fire Safety Checks - 5,220 in Calderdale• High Risk Team • Intervention equipment • Safety Education• Co-ordinate necessary further action from other

agencies• Train front line staff from partner organisations on

hazard spotting• Safety Central

Lifestyle Factors

• Age• Mobility• Visual / Hearing Impairment• Physical & Learning Disabilities• Oxygen and specialist equipment users• Alcohol & Drug Dependency• Mental Health issues• Severe Hoarding• Overcrowding• Adult and child protection issues

Interventions

• Smoke detectors• Fixed / portable sprinkler systems• Fire retardant bedding / chair throws• Remote ashtrays / metal ashtrays• Alarms for the hearing impaired• Relevant education and support• Multi-agency case meetings

Partnership Working• Adults and Children’s Social Services• Safeguarding Boards• Social Housing landlords (Pennine Housing)• Care support providers (incl. Telecare)• Police• Council Services (Affordable Warmth)• Age Concern / Help the Aged • Health teams – Mental Health / District Nurses………and opportunities for many more

Any Questions?

Ruth Cornelissen – High Risk Manager

ruth.cornelissen@westyorksfire.gov.uk

Daniel Tate – High Risk Co-ordinator (Older People Lead)

daniel.tate@westyorksfire.gov.uk