NEIL Hamilton, UKIP Leader and AM for Mid & West Wales, is helping to spread awareness of the potential danger of electrical fires and their prevention.
After attending the launch of the report – How can we keep Older People in Wales, Safe?
Mr Hamilton commented: “The report found that a third of those injured in home fires are older people (i.e. 60+), with those aged 80 + are at least four times more likely than any other age group to be injured.
Over half the fires in Welsh homes are caused by electricity, according to this new report by leading safety charity, Electrical Safety First, and Swansea University
Fires caused by electrical equipment are very dangerous and this report demonstrates that older people are at far greater risk than younger people.
With our aging population, this will prove to be increasingly important as time passes.
I applaud Electrical Safety First for highlighting this vital issue and recommend that we all consider a thorough electrical safety check on equipment at home and in the homes of any older people within our family or friendship circle.”
Copies of the report – How can we keep older people in Wales safe? Can be found at: www.electricalsafetyfirst.org.uk/saferhomesWales . You can find out more about electrical safety for older people at: https://www.electricalsafetyfirst.org.uk/guides-and-advice/for-older-people/
