Fire Service focuses on older people

Jersey’s firefighters are joining forces with colleagues across the country in the biggest day of engagement with older people ever undertaken by the UK fire and rescue service.

 

Today (1 October) is Older People’s Day 2013 and Jersey Fire and Rescue will be inviting a number of older people to tour the station, watch a number of demonstrations and see a presentation by the Community Safety Team. Officers will be on hand to answer any questions and the afternoon will end with tea, biscuits and a selection of cakes made by the firefighters.

 

Station Commander, Richard Liron, said "Older people are particularly at risk from fire in the home and we are really keen to assist this group in our community through our fire safety and prevention work."

 

Other fire and rescue services will be marking the day in similar ways across the UK and even further afield, and the event coincides with the United Nation’s International Day of Older Persons, which recognises the experience of the older person, their knowledge and the contribution they can make to society and the economy.

 

Jersey Fire and Rescue already provide a ‘home fire safety check’ service, which plays a significant part in helping older people stay safe and independent in their own homes. In addition, Jersey Fire and Rescue continues to present their fire safety road show to the many clubs and associations that are predominantly attended by older people.

 

"Older People’s Day 2013 is an opportunity for us to work alongside our colleagues nationally to highlight the importance of this initiative and to engage with these members of our community on a regular basis so that we can continually review the services we provide and gain some direction on how we can develop this annual event here in Jersey," said Mr Liron.