COFFS Coast firefighters don’t just deal with house blazes and attend smashes on our roads.

They’re also actively involved in fire safety education campaigns and one station in particular is helping to save lives by helping older people in our community.

The Coffs Harbour Fire Station is having great success with its year-round smoke alarm program aimed at assisting seniors.

It’s called SABRE – Smoke Alarm Battery Replacement for the Elderly.

“The research shows that people over the age of 65 are three times more likely to die in house fires than other people,” said Coffs Harbour Fire Station officer Sally Foote.

“This program targets this risk group, so senior citizens who are residing at home and have no-one who can help them change their smoke alarm batteries are welcome and encouraged to ring Coffs Harbour Fire Station.

“Fire officers will be only too happy to visit their home and replace the smoke alarm batteries.

“This is a resource that residents of Coffs Harbour and surrounding areas can always draw on.

“We are visiting meals-on-wheels clients as well as anyone else who qualifies for the program but they need to contact the fire station first on 6651 6891.

“If these people don’t have a battery for their smoke alarm, then we can provide one.”

For further information, go to the Fire and Rescue NSW website at www.fire.nsw.gov.au.