Coronavirus: Firefighters rallying around elderly and vulnerable cooped up in homes

With people now spending more time at home, the need to make sure safety detection devices are in working order has never been more important.

But whilst giving residents important safety advice, firefighters are also offering a friendly ear to people who are becoming increasingly isolated following the government advice to avoid social gatherings over coronavirus.

Gosport crew manager Andy Hunt said: ‘It’s massively important at this time when people are self-isolating and restricting contact to make sure people have a working safety device.’

Asked if he anticipates whether the coronavirus outbreak could lead to more call-outs for fire crews with people spending longer at home, Mr Hunt said: ‘Who knows but we are there for people to speak to.

‘The elderly and vulnerable may not have anyone to speak to - they may not have spoken to anyone for days - so it is important we are there for them.

‘Our job is about protecting society. But we also reach out to people in the community and offer fire safety advice but we are also there for a friendly chat and a cup of tea.’

Mr Hunt urged people to check batteries in their safety devices and make sure they are working but added: ‘If anyone has any doubts they should just call us and we will come out,’ he added.