FOCUS
Connecting to the future Nick Rutter takes a look at connected safety solutions, explaining how they are transforming interactive and predictive fire safety
A to 20.8 billion by 20201
RECENT industry report has predicted that the number of connected devices being used across the world will grow . This begs a question:
as the internet of things (IoT) technology advances and the popularity of connected devices continues to increase, what opportunity does this offer for fire and rescue services (FRSs) UK wide to provide individuals with preventative, rather than just reactive, fire safety measures? Throughout the last decade, IoT and the concept of a ‘connected home’ have undergone significant development. Starting as a rather fantastical concept, whereby fridges were envisaged as having the ability to restock themselves when certain of their items had run out, the IoT technology of today is supporting the creation of tangible products which are primarily designed to make life easier for the user. Penetration of smart home devices has
reached almost a quarter throughout the UK, according to statistics by YouGov2 speakers and thermostats currently the two
38 MARCH 2019
www.frmjournal.com , with
most popular forms of technology. However, security and safety is an emerging area for IoT and connected technology, with 3% of UK households currently using this type of technology – a fi gure that is set to rise. As IoT refers to any small internet connected
devices that record specifi c data and transmit this to a central location or device to be interpreted, it has paved the way for developments to enhance the overall safety of tenants and homeowners, specifically with regard to fire and carbon monoxide incidents.
Helping the aged
Figures released by Age UK in 2018 revealed that the number of those aged 65 and over is projected to increase by more than 40% to more than 16 million by 2033, whilst the number aged over 85 is set to double. Latest government fi re statistics also show that half of those killed in accidental dwelling fi res are aged 65 and over. The risk of dying in a fi re is four times higher than average for people over 80, leading to
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