Are you parents at risk? - 20/11/2010

Despite the fact that over half of all the people killed in an accidental fire in the home are aged 65 or over, most people in this age group don't consider fire a risk.

On top of that, a massive 90 per cent overestimate their ability to escape.

According to research, among over-65s:

• 79 per cent think it's unlikely there will be a life threatening fire in their home, yet nearly 1,700 people in this age group suffer fire-related injuries each year
• half think it's unlikely they would die if there was a fire
• nine out of ten think they'd realise if there was a fire in their home and be able to escape
• aquarter don't think it's necessary to test their smoke alarm every week

As well as the risk of fire itself, the Fire Kills campaign is reminding over-65s of the very real danger posed by toxic smoke.

Sir Ken Knight, the government's chief fire and rescue adviser, said: "What many people over the age of 65 don't realise is that just two to three breaths of toxic smoke could leave you unconscious. You have less than two minutes to escape in a fire before your lungs fill up with smoke and you can't breathe - so it's vital that as well as having a working smoke alarm, an escape route is planned and practised, especially as you get older, it will take more time to evacuate your home safely."

At RANA we urge you to check your detector NOW!