Fire Safety: Older Adults & Caregivers

3/1/2021 (Permalink)

Smoke Alarm Inspection

Did you know that older adults have a 2.6 times greater risk of dying in a fire than the U.S. population as a whole? The reasons for this staggering statistic are numerous, but can be attributed to age, health issues and environmental (ie: living alone). 

Noted below are some tips for older residents, property managers, landlords and those of us with older family members:

• Discuss your fire escape plan with family and neighbors. Contact your building manager or fire department to discuss your plan if you need extra help escaping.
• If you use a walker or wheelchair, check all exits to be sure that you can go through the doorways.
• If you can’t hear your smoke alarm, consider getting one that has a different sound or one that comes with a bed shaker or strobe light.
• Caregivers should check the smoke alarms of those who are unable to it themselves.
• Never smoke around medical oxygen.
• Use a timer to remind you that you are cooking.

Your risk of dying in a home fire is greater as you get older. Don't take unnecessary risks, follow the tips above to improve your chances of escape or extinguishing a fire before a dangerous situation occurs. Always be well prepared.

For more helpful information... https://www.usfa.fema.gov/prevention/outreach/media/social_toolkits/toolkit_caregivers.html