Today's action: Elderly living alone

A housefire is bad as it is. But injuries, or, even worse, fatalities make it any person's nightmare.

Those most vulnerable are the older generation. People tend to live alone longer, trying to avoid having to move into a retirement home or another care facility. But as more people stay on their own at a higher age, the risks of those people getting involved in a housefire is increasing.

Also, being of senior age, being able to get out of a house that's on fire is more difficult. People are dealing with disabilities or simply can not move about as easily as they used to anymore.

This afternoon this became clear at a housefire in Almere Buiten. Apparently a pan was left on a stove and caught fire. Starting in the kitchen, soon the entire house was ablaze. Flames came out of the windows and the smoke was visible from a wide surrounding area. The elderly lady living there was using a wheelchair and was not able to get out quickly. Fortunately neighbours who discovered the fire were able to get her out. She was rushed to hospital quickly by ambulance, as she had breathed in a lot of smoke and was seriously hurt.

October always is the month of fire prevention here in The Netherlands. Especially elderly people are being informed about fire safety. Information is provided on how to prevent fires and about the use of smoke detectors. With winter around the corner the use of candles and fireplaces is increasing and the dangers of fire are growing too.

For this lady today it's too late. Her house was destroyed and she ended up in hospital. We can only hope that many others get the important information they need to keep their house safely protected from fire and, in case they do have a fire, know what to do and how to escape quickly. Of course attention from relatives and neighbours can be most helpful. Anyone can keep an eye out for an elderly living alone.