Fire Safety Facts for Older Adults

Statistics

1. For Americans 65 and older, the fire fatality rates are more than twice the national average. For those over 75, they jump to three times the national average, and for those over 85, they are four times the national average.
2. Three of the leading causes of home fire deaths for older adults are smoking accidents, faulty or misused heating equipment, and cooking accidents.
3. Many of these fire deaths could be prevented. Smoke detectors cut your risk of dying in a home fire in half. You can cut your risk even more by practicing firesafety and developing and practicing a fire escape plan.

General tips for prevention and protection

1. Have a smoke detector on each level and outside each sleeping area. Make sure that they're tested regularly. (Use a broom handle or stick to test detectors that are too high to reach.) Replace batteries yearly (a birthday or holiday is an easy way to remember to replace batteries) or sooner if a chirping sound indicates low power.
2. Keep glasses, a telephone, and walking aids by your bed.
3. Have an escape plan with two ways out of every room.
4. In the event of fire, use the stairs, don't use an elevator.
5. Don't open a door that's hot to the touch, use your alternate exit.
6. If you must escape through smoke, crawl low where it's easier to breathe.
7. If your clothing catches fire, STOP, DROP, and ROLL.

Prevention and protection tips for smokers

1. Never smoke in bed or when sleepy or drowsy from medication.
2. Check upholstery and carpet for ashes that could ignite.
3. Use large, deep ashtrays with a center support to hold cigarettes. Don't set ashtrays on the arms of furniture or other unstable surfaces. Empty them into a metal container or douse them with water.

Prevention and protection tips: heating equipment

1. Keep portable and space heaters at least 3 feet from anything that burns, such as walls, furniture, and people.
2. Keep room heaters clean and in good working condition.
3. Don't use fuel-burning appliances if they are not vented to the outside. Burning fuel such as kerosene, coal, or propane indoors can create concentrations of toxic fumes.
4. Use proper fuel for the type of heater, and store the fuel outside.
5. Use only equipment tested and approved by an independent laboratory.
6. Never use portable electric heaters in the bathroom or touch them when you're wet.
7. Be sure wiring is adequate for electric heaters. Don't overload circuits or rely on extension cords.
8. Don't store or dry objects on or near heaters.

Prevention and protection tips in the kitchen

1. Wear clothing with close-fitting sleeves or use rubber bands to secure dangling sleeves when cooking. Store needed items where you can get them without reaching over the burners.
2. Use a timer to remind you when something is finished cooking or needs attention. If you are interrupted while cooking, turn off burners. Take a pot holder or other kitchen items with you to remind you to resume your task at the stove or check the oven.
3. Use pots and pans that are easy to lift.
4. Turn handles of pots to the side so they're not easily upset.
5. Heat oil gradually so it won't spatter, and always clean up any spills.
6. If the oven flares, close the oven door and turn off the oven. If a pan flares, carefully slide a lid over it and turn off the burner.
7. Use cool water for 10-15 minutes, then a bandage, on minor burns. If a burn is serious, call for help.
8. If clothing catches fire, STOP, DROP, and ROLL. (If you're physically unable to do this, use a heavy coat or blanket to smother the flames.)