Everyone has to ensure fire safety is necessary for all of us, but when a person gets older, the chances are higher, and it becomes a responsibility as well. With special considerations and potential obstacles, seniors are at a higher risk of becoming fire victims. So, for this blog post, we thought we would share some essential fire safety tips specifically aimed at our mature adults to help ensure that they can continue residing in the comfort of their homes.
Senior Fire Safety
As we age, the fire and injury risks that threaten us also evolve, so it is essential to renovate our dwellings or senior living facilities accordingly to maintain autonomy without compromising safety. We know that a fall, burn, or fire can be devastating. Our skin gets thinner and burns more profoundly and faster as it ages. Seniors may require assistance changing the batteries of smoke and CO alarms at least annually and replacing fully functional smoke alarms every ten years. Many local fire departments offer help through the Senior SAFE Program.
Electrical systems should be inspected at least every ten years, and furnaces and chimneys need to be cleaned out once a year. Fuel assistance programs abound to help homeowners with vital, ongoing maintenance like this. For those with any type of mobility challenge, this may affect their household exit plan to the point where a bedroom is relocated to the first floor instead. If you have hearing problems, a bed shaker can connect to your smoke alarm.
Fire Prevention
Fireplaces
Open fireplaces can be dangerous; they should be shielded with solidified glass doors and protected by a raised hearth 9 to 18 inches high.
Cooking
When you are cooking, do not walk away from the stove. If you need to step away, turn it off. Wear fitted garments when cooking over an open fire, and keep towels away from the flames. If food or grease ignites, slide a lid over the pan and immediately turn off the burner to extinguish the flames. Under no circumstances should someone try to put out a grease fire with water. Never fill the pan more than one-third full with oil or fat if deep frying. Keep your stove clean and free of grease. Turn the pot handles to the back of the stove so no one can bump or grab them. Never put metal in the microwave.
Smoking
Never smoke in bed. Just be sure not to fall asleep when you smoke. Do not smoke if you have a gas stove or an oxygen supply nearby. Post signs indicating that you are using oxygen and advising others not to smoke in the area. Do not smoke when you are under the influence of alcohol, if high, or on medication that can cause drowsiness and confusion. Put smoking materials in a deep, large ashtray when you are asleep, and never leave them unattended. Wet the ashes in the ashtray before discarding them.
Electrical Safety
Electric blankets must comply with the relevant standards and have overheating protection. Avoid putting electric blankets in the wash, which will destroy the circuit. If any appliance smells fishy or emits smoke, unplug it immediately. Replace any frayed or broken electrical cords. Do not operate an appliance with exposed wires. Do not run extension cords through high-traffic areas, and do not overload them. Always use tested and listed products, such as those certified by UL (Underwriters Laboratories Inc).
Space heaters
Keep space around space heaters. If you have any portable air heaters, keep them at least three feet (91 cm) from combustible materials. Read the manufacturer’s instructions on adequately using, fueling, and maintaining your space heater. Also, do not use heaters or other heating devices near dry clothing.
Heating
Make an appointment to have your heating system and chimney inspected and cleaned annually by a professional. Portable heaters should never run off fuel stored in the home—store fuel outside or in a separate work shed.
Emergency Preparedness
The prevention of fires gives the best chance of being prepared for an emergency. Create and regularly practice a comprehensive fire escape plan tailored to your needs. This plan should include multiple exit routes from each room, ensuring all potential escape paths are clear and available immediately, with no furniture or other clutter blocking safe egress. Install smoke alarms in every bedroom, outside each sleeping area, and on every level of the home. Consider installing interconnected smoke alarms so that when one alarm sounds, they all do, giving you time to escape during an emergency. Ensure smoke alarms function correctly by testing them monthly and installing fresh batteries yearly.
Educate and Engage
Learn about fire safety through community workshops and outreach programs offered by various fire departments. Teach family members, friends, and caregivers about older adults’ special fire safety needs, including how to help in an evacuation and the importance of always keeping fire safety equipment clear. Regularly review and update fire safety plans and measures to ensure they are still relevant, adjusting them as necessary if mobility or health status has changed.
Candle Safety
Candles are a significant fire hazard if left unattended or near combustible items. Another option is to use flameless LED candles, which can provide you with the same ambiance as a traditional candle without the potential of starting a fire. If you like to have conventional candles at home, make sure they stand on stable, nonflammable surfaces and keep textiles (like curtains and bedding) away from them. Blow out candles before leaving a room or going to sleep. Opt for sturdier candle holders that are challenging to tip over to prevent accidents.
Emergency Contact Information
In an emergency, have a list of contacts for family members, neighbours, and your local emergency services in an easily accessible location, such as on the fridge or near the phone. Please ensure these contacts are also in your phone so you can retrieve them easily. This information is crucial in a fire or any other emergency so that first responders can act quickly. Inform your contacts of the specific things you are looking for in advance and any plans to prevent fires so they can help better.
By integrating these additional measures into their daily routines, seniors can continue to improve their fire safety and reduce the risk of related accidents. Prevention, preparedness, information, and security are essential for safety and tranquillity.
The Bottom Line
Watchful fire safety measures for seniors are crucial for maintaining their independence and security. Taking these simple steps, practicing preventive maintenance, and being prepared for emergencies can go a long way in protecting seniors from the risk of fire and creating safer living environments.
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