FIRE SAFETY FOR OLDER ADULTS
The facts speak for themselves: Americans over the age of 65 are one of the groups at greatest risk of dying in a fire. On average, more than 1,000 Americans age 65 and over die in fires and more than 2,000 are injured in fire-related incidents according to the United States Fire Administration (USFA).
People older than age 85 die in fires at a rate five times higher than the rest of the population. The USFA wants older adults, their caregivers, and all Americans to know that there are special precautions you can take to protect yourself and your home from fire.
Older Americans are at risk for fire death and injuries for a number of reasons. They may be on medication that affects their ability to make decisions rapidly. Decreased mobility, health, sight and hearing may limit a person’s ability to take the quick action necessary to escape during a fire emergency. Depending on physical limitations, many of the actions an individual can take to protect themselves from the dangers of fire may require help from a caregiver, neighbor, or someone else. Many older people live alone and when accidents happen, others may not be around to assist.
Cooking accidents are the leading cause of fire-related injuries for older Americans. The kitchen is one of the most active and potentially dangerous rooms in the home. Never wear loose fitting clothing while cooking and don’t leave your cooking unattended. Always use a timer to remind you of food in the oven or cooking on a burner. Never use your oven to heat your home.
The leading cause of residential fire deaths among older adults is careless smoking. If you must smoke, never smoke in bed or near an oxygen source, gas appliance, or other flammable objects.
Heating equipment is responsible for a big share of fires in older adults’ homes. Extra caution should be used with alternate heaters such as wood stoves or electric space heaters. Buy only space heaters evaluated by a nationally recognized testing laboratory, such as Underwriters Laboratory (UL). Use only the manufacturer’s recommended fuel for each heater. Do not use electric space heaters in the bathroom or around other wet areas. Do not dry or store objects on top of your heater. Keep combustibles away from heat sources. Remember to properly maintain space heaters, heating equipment, and chimneys.
Creating fire escape plans around one's capabilities is a key element to fire safety! If you use a walker or wheelchair, check all exits to be sure these devices will fit through the doorways. Make any necessary accommodations, such as providing exit ramps and widening doorways to facilitate an emergency escape.
Discuss with your family members, neighbors, and/ or rental manager your fire escape plan. It is also a good idea to practice your plan with these individuals observing. Contact your local fire department’s non-emergency telephone line and explain your special needs. The fire department may suggest home escape plan ideas and they may perform a home fire safety inspection and offer suggestions about smoke alarm and carbon monoxide alarm placement and maintenance. Ask the emergency providers to keep your special needs information on file.
Although you have the legal right to live where you choose, you'll be safest on the ground floor if you live in an apartment building. Unless instructed otherwise by the fire department, never use an elevator during a fire. Special needs older adults should have their bedroom on the ground floor as close to an exit as possible.
Make sure that smoke alarms are installed on each level of your home, outside of all sleeping areas, and in each bedroom. Test your smoke alarms monthly and replace the batteries every year. Caregivers are encouraged to check the smoke alarms of those who are unable to do it themselves. The chances of surviving a home fire almost double with the initial warning from a smoke alarm.
Finally, having a working smoke alarm dramatically increases your chances of surviving a fire. And remember to practice a home escape plan frequently with your family.
Remember, fire safety is your personal responsibility ...Fire is Everyone’s Fight!
For more information on fire safety, please visit the United States Fire Administration at www.usfa.fema.gov
- J. Dennis Gentzel, P.E., Fire Program Specialist, U. S. Fire Administration |
