ELDERLY Singaporeans should be wary of that cylinder of liquified petroleum gas (LPG) in their kitchens, a top Government official cautioned on Wednesday.

Seniors who suffer from memory loss or a reduced sense of smell are especially prone to being injured in fires sparked by the fuel, said Government Parliamentary Committee Chairman for Home Affairs and Law Dr Teo Ho Pin on Wednesday.

He was speaking to members of the media at an annual seminar on fire safety and emergency preparedness.

Last year, 12 people were injured as a result of LPG-related fires in households. In 2006, the tally was 15.

Dr Teo stressed the need for public education on LPG safety, pointing to an initiative launched by the industry last September.

Called the LPG Home Safety Checks Programme, the scheme sees local LPG dealers and suppliers conduct free inspections during home deliveries.

Read the full story in Thursday's edition of The Straits Times.