Fire Safety Tips for the Elderly

The U.S. Fire Administration (USFA) estimates that approximately 1,100 Americans age 65 and older die every year from household fires. More specifically, when compared to the entire U.S. population, seniors between 65 and 74 are twice as likely to die in a fire, seniors between 75 and 84 are four times as likely, and over 85, five times as likely. These numbers reflect the importance of senior fire safety, and, with a few tips and regular household maintenance, we can help better prepare the elderly in minimizing fire risk.

Smoke Detectors

• Smoke detectors provide an early warning in the event of a fire. Check to ensure smoke detectors are properly located and working. Install at least one smoke detector on every floor of the house, preferably near bedrooms. Place them on the ceiling or 6 to 12 inches below the ceiling, avoiding air vents. Check the detectors at least once a month, and replace batteries annually.

Cooking and Kitchen Appliances

• Cooking is the leading cause of injury for seniors 65 and older, and the third leading cause of fire deaths. The Consumer Product Safety Commission estimates that 70 percent of those who die from clothing fires are over 65. When cooking, wear short or tight sleeves, and keep flammable non-cooking items (such as potholders, dishtowels, and curtains) away from flames. Also, it's never safe to leave cooking unattended, because fires can start and spread in seconds.

Heating

• Winter months correlate with increased home fires, and heating is the second leading cause of fire death and the third leading cause of injury to seniors 65 and over. Never use the cooking range or oven to heat a home, and practice safe heating with fireplaces and space heaters. Fireplaces should be protected by a large screen which can catch sparks and mobile wood. Have the chimney cleaned by registered or licensed professionals annually to remove creosote that can ignite, causing dangerous chimney fires. Space heaters should be placed at least 3 feet away from flammable materials (like curtains, rugs, or furniture) where the heater will not risk being knocked over. When purchasing a space heater, look for options like automatic shut-off or motion sensors.

Electrical Outlets, Switches, and Cords

• Pull cords out from under furniture, rugs, or carpeting to minimize fire risk. Nails and staples can damage cords, so check the wiring for damage and attach cords to walls or baseboards using tape. Regularly check cord conditions, replacing frayed or cracked cords. Also, avoid overloading extension cords by adhering to amp or wattage ratings. You'll want to check outlets and switches to make sure the wiring is safe. Hide wiring by covering switches and outlets lacking cover plates. If an outlet is unusually warm, unplug any cords using the outlet, and if a switch is warm, don't use it. As soon as possible, call an electrician to check the wiring.

Emergency Plan

• Fire spreads very quickly, so it's essential you have an emergency exit plan. Develop and occasionally practice an emergency exit plan so you are prepared in case of fire (USFA recommends practicing twice a year).

Additional Risks

• Physical impairments (such as hearing loss or limited mobility), medications (especially those that cause drowsiness), and environment (clutter obstructing passageways or stairs) further complicate senior fire safety. Minimize the risks by being prepared for your individual and unique situation. For example, smoking is the leading cause of fire deaths, and the second leading cause of injuries for seniors. If you smoke and take medications which cause drowsiness, you should take special care to extinguish your cigarette at the first sign of drowsiness, or, even better, avoid smoking while medicating. Smoking and relaxing can be a lethal combination, especially if you fall asleep while the cigarette or cigar is still lit.