|
Senior's
Fire Safety
Let's
Retire Fire: A Factsheet for Older Americans
The facts speak for themselves: Americans over the age of
65 are one of the groups at greatest risk of dying in a fire. Every year
over 1,000 Americans over age 65 die in fires. People over the age of
80 die in fires at a rate three times higher than the rest of the population.
However, there are a number of precautionary steps older Americans can
take to dramatically reduce their chances of becoming a fire casualty.
Understanding
the Risks
Why Are Older People
at Risk?
Older Americans are at risk for fire death and injuries for a number
of reasons:
- They may be less able to take the quick action necessary
in a fire emergency.
- They may be on medication that affects their ability
to make quick decisions.
- Many older people live alone and when accidents happen
others may not be around to help.
What Fire Hazards
Affect Older People?
- Cooking accidents are the leading cause of fire related
injuries for older Americans. The kitchen is one of the most active
and potentially dangerous rooms in the home.
- The unsafe use of smoking materials is the leading
cause of fire deaths among older Americans.
- Heating equipment is responsible for a big share of
fires in seniors' homes. Extra caution should be used with alternate
heaters such as wood stoves or electric space heaters.
- Faulty wiring is another major cause of fires affecting
the elderly. Older homes can have serious wiring problems, ranging from
old appliances with bad wiring to overloaded sockets.
Safety Tips for Older
Americans
- Kitchen Fires.
Most kitchen fires occur because food is left unattended on the stove
or in the oven. If you must leave the kitchen while cooking, take a
spoon or potholder with you to remind you to return to the kitchen.
- Never cook with loose, dangling
sleeves that can ignite easily. Heat cooking
oils gradually and use extra caution when deep-frying. If a fire breaks
out in a pan, put a lid on the pan. Never throw water on a grease fire.
Never use a range or stove to heat your home.
- Space Heaters.
Buy only Underwriter's Laboratory (UL) approved heaters. Use only the
manufacturer's recommended fuel for each heater. Do not use electric
space heaters in the bathroom or around other wet areas. Do not dry
or store objects on top of your heater. Keep combustibles away from
heat sources.
- Smoking.
Don't leave smoking materials unattended. Use "safety ashtrays"
with wide lips. Empty all ashtrays into the toilet or a metal container
every night before going to bed. Never smoke in bed.
Finally, having a working smoke alarm dramatically increases your chances
of surviving a fire. And remember to practice a home escape plan frequently
with your family.
Content updated on:
28-Dec-2007
|
