Fire safety quiz for pensioners in Hale (From Messenger Newspapers)

Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service hold quiz at St Andrew's Court retirement home in Hale

9:30am Wednesday 29th February 2012 in News

PENSIONERS were grilled over the history of Altrincham, local sport and Coronation Street as part of a new fire safety initiative run by firefighters.

Residents at St Andrew's Court retirement home in Hale took part in a quiz with Red Watch crews from Altrincham and Sale fire stations.

Watch Manager Mike O'Neill came up with the idea of holding a quiz to engage with the older generation by having fun while getting across vital fire safety messages.

He said: "We were called to the home a couple of weeks ago for a fire alarm which turned out to be a false alarm but it was a chance to check everyone was safe.

"So we revisited to hold the quiz and it's something I'm trying to do with all the elderly people's homes we go to now. It's a great opportunity to do something different and interact with the community."

The residents were quizzed on home fire safety including bedtime routines, escape routes and chip pans, as well as general knowledge and other topics.

There were four teams, with a firefighter allocated to each team, and the winners were Good Companions who will now feature on the 'Wall of Fame' at Altrincham Fire Station.

* For a free home safety check, which could include the fitting of smoke alarms, call 0800 555 815 or visit /fire_safety_advice/home_fire_risk_assessments.aspx

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