Almost half of all fire deaths occur amongst older people every year, yet new research shows that domestic fires are not an immediate concern for the over 60s.

The independent research backs up the government's view that greater emphasis is needed on fire prevention and fire safety - a key theme to be addressed in a forthcoming White Paper on the Fire Service.

It looks at understanding the specific issues and problems faced by older people in relation to fire safety. Highlights include:

• The main precaution taken by the over-60s against fire in the home is the installation of a smoke alarm - but they are often positioned incorrectly.
• Maintenance of smoke alarms, appears to be haphazard and many older people rely on family or friends to change the battery.
• Some older people do have a fire escape plan. But these often date back many years and would probably now be difficult to execute in a real emergency.

Fire Safety Minister Chris Leslie said:

"Much is already being done through our on-going fire safety campaign 'Fire kills. You can prevent it', to reduce deaths and injuries caused by fires in the home. This research will help us to refine and better target our campaigns in the future.”

"However, as our statistics show, we need to do more. That's why we want a modern fire service that saves more lives, with a greater emphasis on prevention and getting across fire safety messages."

There are already a number of schemes driving home safety messages. In Kent, for example, Help the Aged's HandyVan scheme, run in partnership with Kent County Council and Kent Fire Brigade, aims to help older people feel more secure at home by installing smoke alarms and security equipment, free of charge.

The Help the Aged HandyVan service is a unique home security service, where trained HandyVan fitters visit your home and install equipment such as door chains and viewers, window locks and smoke detectors. A fleet of 35 HandyVans is based around Britain and delivers a free service to those who meet the criteria below:

1. Applicants must be of pensionable age (60 years for women and 65 for men).
2. Applicants do not pay income tax (excluding tax on personal pensions).
3. Applicants’ disposable savings/assets do not exceed £16,000 (Not including the value of their home).

If you would benefit from the HandyVan service, or you know someone who would, then please call the team on 01255 473 999 or email: seniorsafety@helptheaged.org.uk