Fire safety tips for older adults

Описание: Adults age 85 and older have the highest fire death rate in the U.S. according to the U.S. Fire Administration.

Why are older adults at a higher risk of dying in a fire?

When most people age, they move more slowly and can’t respond as fast in emergencies. And every minute counts when there’s a fire. Older people might also be slowed down by the effects of medications or by not hearing a smoke alarm.

What steps can I take to keep myself safe from a fire?

1. Have smoke alarms installed in your house, including the basement and all the bedrooms. It’s best if they’re interconnected so they all sound at the same time. Then test your alarm every month.

2. Put together a home escape plan to know what route you’ll use to get out of your house.

3. Keep a phone and any devices you need – wheelchair, cane, or glasses – close to your bed.

Do you have advice for using space heaters and fireplaces?

Space heaters should be at least three feet away from everything.

Always keep the screen or covering on your fireplace closed to keep the hot embers from escaping. When it’s time to empty the ashes, put them in a metal pan and take the ashes 10 feet away from your house to dump them.

What tips do you have to prevent kitchen fires?

· Stay in your kitchen to keep an eye on flames if you’re frying, grilling, or broiling.

· If you’re baking or simmering and need to leave the kitchen, keep a timer on you to remind yourself that you’re cooking.

· Keep a pan lid or a cookie sheet nearby in case flames get out of control. Put the lid or cookie sheet on the fire, turn the fire off, and let it cool down.

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