Are you over 70?
There are more than 8.75 million people in the UK who are over 70. As the retirement age rises, lots of us are working longer and as a result of the Covid pandemic, more people are working from, or spending more time at home too. Which is why it’s a good idea to make sure home is as safe a place as possible. One way to do this is to request a free Safe and Well Visit from Kent Fire and Rescue Service.
A free Safe and Well Home visit from Kent Fire and Rescue Service can help to make your home a safer place. From fitting smoke alarms to kitchen safety, our friendly team are here to offer advice and support.
To arrange a visit for yourself or someone else, go to our Book a Safe and Well visit page, which has all the information you need.
If you think someone you know would benefit from a visit, please check with them first to make sure they're happy for us to contact them, or perhaps suggest they visit this website and contact us themselves. If you're a carer for someone and you would like to book a visit for them, please call us or apply online.
Advice
As well as arranging a free Safe and Well Visit, there are also things you can do yourself such as
- testing your smoke alarms regularly – they will give you the best chance of escaping safely if you have a fire
- avoiding slips, trips and falls by keeping home clutter free
- requesting a review of your prescriptions from your pharmacy or GP – especially if you are on five or more medicines.
- keeping your kitchen clean and clutter free to reduce fire risk (see our Kitchen safety and appliances page on our a-Z of safety)
- taking extra care if you use skin (emollient) creams
For further help and advice please see our ‘Further advice for older people’ in our Home Safety Advice section.
People over 70
Older or living alone
Just three breaths of fire smoke can be life-threatening. Sadly, older people, those with mobility, or health issues are most likely to be injured or die if they have a fire at home.
Do you know someone who needs extra help to keep safe from fire?
Look out for the danger signs next time you visit friends, neighbours or relatives and get free advice to help keep them safe.
Contact us for free home safety advice on 0800 923 7000 (free from most landlines, mobile charges may vary) or email contact details to home@kent.fire-uk.org
What makes them more at risk?
- no working smoke alarms, or having them fitted in the wrong place
- clutter blocking escape routes
- they find it hard to get around
- they are hard of hearing or have failing eyesight
- possible dementia or other health issue
- taking medication
- lifestyle choices ( smoking/ alcohol)
- cold weather
Peace of mind for you and them
Keep them protected and make sure they get the advice and support they need.
- free help and equipment to help keep them safe and well
- talk to us about how we can help them remain independent in their own homes
Older people
Recently the Office for National Statistics asked the question ‘is age 70 the new age 65?’ Many of us are living longer, some working past retirement age and others caring for family members, which is why staying safe as we enjoy older age is even more important. Not only does it provide peace of mind for ourselves, it is reassuring for loved ones too.
A free Kent Fire and Rescue Service Safe and Well Visit from one of our friendly Safe and Well officers or firefighters can help to make your home a safer place.
There are also lots of things you can do yourself. Why not take a look at the helpful information and advice below.
- Clutter free: did you know too much clutter can be confusing and lead to trips and falls? Check how to keep things clear and uncluttered by taking a look at our Clutter Free page.
- Lighting: Is your home well lit? Good lighting helps you get around more easily and can make you feel safer.
- Kitchen safety: the kitchen is the heart of the home, but did you know it’s also the place where a fire is most likely to start? Make your kitchen a safer space with our easy to follow kitchen safety page.
- Electrical safety: From making sure you’re not overloading your sockets and registering your appliances, to checking electrical cables and using electric blankets safely, see our Electrical safety pages.
- Fires and heating safety: There are lots of things to be aware of when it comes to heating, whether it’s solid fuel, gas or electric. Learn more on our dedicated page about fires and heating.
- Smoking: things to remember if you smoke.
- Smoke alarms and other types of alarm, can save your life. Learn more about smoke alarms and carbon monoxide alarms.
- Telecare systems: this is a smoke alarm provided by a telecare provider, which is linked through a lifeline service. When the alarm sounds due to fire or smoke, the signal goes straight through to the telecare provider, who will then alert the emergency services. This helps to reduce the risk for the person if they are unable to react to an alarm. Other types of alarm can also be run through this system, such as carbon monoxide and gas detectors. As part of our Home Fire Safety Visit service we can also help with a referral to a falls prevention service. There are also specialist alarms available for those deaf or hard of hearing, which include a bright flashing strobe light by the bedside and a vibrating pad under the pillow to alert people to danger at night when they do not have their hearing aids in. If smoke is detected, the alarm will sound and set off the pad to assist in waking them.
- Escape plan: learn how to make an escape plan and practice with family and guests.
- Candles: candlelight is beautiful but it can pose a serious fire risk – check how to use candles safely.
- What to do if there’s a fire in your home: Know what to do.
- Bedtime safety routine: These simple bedtime checks can help to give you extra peace of mind.
If there is a fire in your home
Get out, stay out and call 999. Never investigate or tackle a fire yourself. Learn what to do to help stay safe