Fire & Life-Safety Tips

Americans over the age of 65 years of age have a fire death rate nearly twice the national average. For those over 75 years of age, this jumps to three times the national average. Whether living independently or in a care facility, the items listed below can assist seniors in remaining safe from fire.

Kitchen Caution

- Don't leave food unattended on the stove. If you must leave the kitchen, take a wooden spoon or potholder as a reminder.
- Wear short or close fitting sleeves and an apron to avoid catching clothes on fire.
- When cooking, keep a pot lid close by. In case of a pan fire, use the lid to smother the fire.
- Clean the stove and toaster regularly to avoid grease and crumb buildup.
- Use potholders, not towels, to handle hot pans and dishes.
- Don't use the oven to heat your home.

Heating Hazards

- Keep everything at least one foot from any heat source.
- Unplug electrical appliances and heaters when not using them.
- Never hang clothes near a heater to dry them.
- Don't leave portable heaters alone or go to sleep while they are on.
- Make sure curtains hang well away from heat sources.
- Keep at least three feet between portable heaters and anything that can burn, including furniture, papers, blankets, pets and you.

Safe Smoking

- Never smoke in bed or while lying on the couch. Smoke only when alert - never when tired or drowsy.
- Use a large, sturdy ashtray or purchase a special "safety ashtray".
- After using an ashtray, leave it on the kitchen counter or in the sink overnight before emptying.
- Always empty ashtrays into a non-burnable container, such as a metal garbage can.

At Bed Time

- Keep your robe, slippers, eyeglasses and house keys close by the bed.
- Check to be sure that any space heaters are turned off and heat is turned down.
- Close your bedroom door while sleeping.

Be Prepared

- Install a smoke alarm on every level of your home. Check smoke alarms monthly.
- Plan your escape routes (two from every room, if possible) in case a fire does strike. Locate two exit stairways from your apartment building. Never use elevators in a fire.

Calling 9-1-1

- Place a 9-1-1 sticker on your phone so that you will always have the number at your fingertips during an emergency.
- Call 9-1-1 from a safe location for any fire, medical or police emergency.

Plan Your Escape

- It is a good idea to keep a pair of slippers, eyeglasses and flashlight by your bed at night.
- If you hear your smoke alarm at night you will be prepared to get out of your home quickly. Once you hear the sound of your smoke alarm every second counts for your escape.
- Make a plan that includes two safe ways out of every room to help you get out and away from the fire. Remember that fire grows very quickly. There is no time to gather belongings and pets are usually able to get out on their own.

Escape

- Elevators should never be used in a fire emergency. Everyone must use the stairwells to leave the building.
- If you unable to use stairs, you should stay in an area of refuge. An apartment is a good example of an area of refuge. It has a door to keep the smoke out, a phone from which to call 9-1-1 for help and windows to signal from.