Firefighters warn over 'super gran' factor

FIREFIGHTERS are urging the elderly to become more “fire aware” amid claims that a generation of “super grans” believe that they are invulnerable.

Bosses at South Yorkshire Fire and Rescue believe role models such as Felicity Kendal, Helen Mirren and Joanna Lumley have seen the older generation become more independent than ever before—leading them to coin the term Generation Super Gran.

But they have questioned traditional views that older means wiser by warning of a growing number of pensioners who are ill-prepared for a fire in their home.

A spokesman for SYFR said: “Despite the fact three people killed and 18 people injured in Rotherham in accidental house fires since 2004 were aged 65 or over, the vast majority don’t consider fire a risk.

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

“In comparison, 25 to 35 year olds are much more conscious of the need to plan an escape route—only six out of ten thinking they’d realise there was a fire and be able to escape.

“That’s why SYFR is reminding over 65s that they’re not invulnerable to the danger of toxic smoke and asking them to become more fire aware.”

For more information and advice on fire safety or to arrange a free home safety check, including the fitting of free smoke alarms, call SYFR on 0114 253 2314 or text FREE to 87023.

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