Keelung offers free automatic gas shut-off devices for elderly to prevent fires

Keelung City is launching a program to provide free installation of automatic gas shut-off devices for elderly residents, prioritizing those aged 75 and above who live alone. This initiative addresses the significant risk of cooking-related fires in the city, which account for a disproportionately high percentage of all fires compared to other Taiwanese municipalities.

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According to statistics, cooking fires are the second leading cause of fires in Keelung City; compared to data from other cities, which is about one-tenth, Keelung accounts for one-fifth, so this data is very alarming.

Vice Mayor Fang Ding-an highlighted that cooking fires are the second leading cause of fires in Keelung, a rate five times higher than the national average. To combat this, the Fire Bureau is implementing the "Gas Stove Automatic Shut-off Device Subsidy Installation Plan." The program will initially cover 1,240 households of elderly individuals living alone. Installation is free and will be handled by authorized personnel who will contact residents to schedule appointments.

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Therefore, the Fire Bureau, targeting cooking fire accidents, is promoting the "Gas Stove Automatic Shut-off Device Subsidy Installation Plan." This year, priority is given to the elderly aged 75 and above for installation. In the future, subsidies will be provided in stages to people with disabilities and low-income households, hoping that this small technological device can bring home safety.

Fire Bureau Chief You Jia-yi explained that the plan is a five-year initiative. This year, 75-year-old and above single elderly residents are prioritized, with the age limit potentially lowered if devices remain. Starting next year, applications will open for individuals with disabilities and low-income households. The device, demonstrated by celebrity firefighter ambassador Jiang Zhi-feng, can be set for a specific cooking time, such as 15 minutes, and will automatically shut off the gas if the time elapses without manual intervention, thus preventing potential fires from unattended cooking.

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When the elderly cook, they can pre-set 15 minutes. If the time is up and the fire is not turned off, it will beep to remind the elderly. If the warning time of 1 minute is not reached, the gas will be automatically shut off to prevent burning dry and causing a fire.