West Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service (WYFRS) is re-launching its winter safety campaign, called Cherished.
The campaign, which ran for the first time last year, was prompted by a spike in fire-related deaths involving older people across West Yorkshire.
Fortunately this spike has not continued into this year, however, WYFRS still want the communities of West Yorkshire to join with them in cherishing older people this winter.
Whilst many proudly live independent lives, being older can make you more vulnerable to certain fire risks.
Each year firefighters have attended over 200 accidental fires in homes of older people, this equates to around a fifth of all accidental fires in the home each year. The top causes of accidental fires in older people’s homes are – cooking, smoking and electrical. Smoking related fires are by far the biggest killer of older people in the home. Around three quarters of older people who have had a fire in the home lived alone and over the last five years more than half of the fatalities following accidental dwelling fires involved older people.
Area Manager for Fire Safety Chris Kirby said: “The Cherished Campaign is all about giving support to those who need it most, especially at this time of year."
“Many people over the age of 65 are very active and healthy. However, as more people are getting to this time of their lives, many will benefit from some simple support and so we are encouraging you to speak with or visit elderly relatives, friends and neighbours who may need your help at this time of the year.”
Man Jailed After Attack on Massage Therapist in Milton Keynes
Archaeologists Unearth Clues to Temple Newsam’s Lost History
Work to Begin on Bradford’s Westgate Bus and Road Improvement Scheme
Bradford Man Jailed for Manslaughter Over Death of Wakefield Pensioner
Bletchley Mosque Extension Approved Despite Parking Concerns
Earlier Access to New Halifax Homes Agreed After Planning Change
Two Men Charged With Firearms Offences After Huddersfield and Holmfirth Police Operation
West Yorkshire Police Officer Given Warning Over ‘Unreasonable’ Use of Force During Bradford Arrest
Two People Taken to Hospital After House Fire in Blackburn
TfL Proposes 3km Extension of Cycleway 9 to Hounslow Town Centre
Man Seriously Injured After Wrong-Way M1 Collision Near Wakefield
MP Demands Action After Fifth Major Fire at Keighley’s Dalton Mills
Legal Show
Alim OnAir
Bhangra Nights
Remix Saturdays