Householders urged to install smoke detectors

7/8/94

Minister for Seniors Roger Nicholls has urged householders - particularly the elderly - to install smoke detectors in their homes and become more fire-safety conscious.

Mr Nicholls said he was disturbed by the number of seniors who had died in fires over the past year when simple precautions could have prevented many of the deaths.

Nine of the 13 people who died in fires over the past 13 months were aged over 60.

The Minister said restricted mobility and a greater tendency to doze meant seniors were more at risk of dying or being injured in fires than the rest of the community.

The risk increased over winter because heaters were the main cause of fires in the home.

Mr Nicholls said although mains-connected detectors, which cost about $150, were considered the superior form of detector, the battery-operated models were still effective and were a cheaper alternative for about $20.

"Although many seniors will see $150 as a lot of money, it is a small price to pay if it saves a life," he said.

"I hope the families of seniors will also consider buying smoke detectors for their elderly relatives."

Mr Nicholls said people had to take responsibility for their own safety.  He did not support compelling them through legislation to install smoke detectors.

"I am highlighting the issue to specifically encourage people to take responsibility and reassess their own situation," he said.

Mr Nicholls said to minimise the danger seniors should:

·       consider mounting radiators high on walls where they could not be knocked over;

·       refrain from airing clothes in front of heaters;

·       keep heaters a good distance from curtains, furniture and flammable materials;

·       ensure any open fires, pot-belly stoves and gas and kerosene heaters were  surrounded by a fire screen;

·       ensure kerosene heaters were always filled outside and were not carried while alight;

·       never leave oil cooking on a stove unattended;

·       ensure electric blankets were turned off before getting into bed;

·       never smoke in bed;

·       when installing security screens on windows, opt for half-window designs, providing a means of escape in the event of fire; and, -

·       ensure keys to security doors were kept in easy reach of the door, so that in a fire, the door could be opened quickly.

Media contact:  Amanda O'Brien  222 9595