11 November 2010

Over-confident grannies are putting their lives at risk, new figures show, as 8 percent dismiss the possibility of a fire in their home.

Over-confident grannies are putting their lives at risk, new figures show, as 8 percent dismiss the possibility of a fire in their home.

Over-confident grannies are putting their lives at risk, new figures show, as 8 percent dismiss the possibility of a fire in their home.

It is important to be prepared for a house fire of which life and home insurance is vital to ensure finances after the disaster are covered.

Research by Communities and Local Government showed those over 65 years of age are more likely to be killed in an accidental fire in the home compared to younger generations.

Over half of all people killed in this way are from this older age group as a massive 9 percent overestimate their ability to escape.

Those aged 25-35 years old in comparison were found to be much more conscious of the need to plan an escape route as six out of ten said they would be able to do so if they realised there was a fire.

"It's vital that as well as having a working smoke alarm, an escape route is planned and practiced, especially as you get older," warned Sir Ken Knight, the Government's chief fire and rescue adviser.

Although 1,7 people in the over 65 year old group suffer fire-related injuries annually, 79 percent think it is unlikely there will be a life threatening fire in their home.

Half think it is unlikely they would die if there was a fire, 9 percent think they would realise if there was a fire and be able to escape, and a quarter worryingly do not think it is necessary to test their smoke alarm every week.

"It's shocking to hear that people over the age of 65 are more likely to die in a fire in their own home, compared to someone who is younger," commented Michelle Mitchell, Age UK's charity director.

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It takes less than two minutes to escape in a fire before your lungs fill up with smoke leaving you unable to breath, and only two or three breaths of toxic smoke could leave you unconscious.

It is vital to make the recommended checks on fire alarms and smoke detectors and to plan an escape route, while also ensuring your life and home insurance policy covers you sufficiently for the after effects.

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