HELP the Aged is urging pensioners to take advantage of free smoke alarms for their homes.

The charity is a partner in the Office of the Deputy Prime Ministers' Fire Kills campaign, and the organisation has created easy ways for older people to protect their homes and belongings.

Statistics show that one third of victims from house fires are over 65, and those who are more than 80 are six times more likely to die as 17 to 24-year-olds.

Help the Aged workers understand that fitting smoke detectors can be difficult for older people, and so have started the HandyVan service.

A trained fitter will come to your house, by appointment only, and assess and fit an alarm, free of charge. This service is available to everyone who's over 60 and has less than £25,000 in savings.

A home without a smoke alarm is twice as likely to have fatalities in the event of a fire.

Help the Aged has some advice for all those fitting a fire alarm:
You should place it where the alarm can be heard, day or night.

For anyone who's hard of hearing, HandyVan can provide special alarms, with a vibrating pad and flashing light.

Never remove the battery. If the alarm sounds accidently, it may need to be moved or replaced.

Check the battery once a week.

Replace the battery once a year.

(It may be easier to remember if you do it on the same date every year, for example, a birthday).

If your home has more than one level, an alarm should be installed on each floor.

For those who don't qualify for the HandyVan service, you can request a free Home Fire Safety Check from the Buckinghamshire Fire and Rescue Service.

They will supply and fit an alarm where one has not already been installed.

For more details on the fire check call 01296 424666 or HandyVan on 01255 473999. HandyVan also supply and fit other safety items, such as locks, bolts, door chains, spy holes and window locks.

Jodie Wichelow