Statistics show that people 65 and older are far more likely to die in home fires than the rest of the population. At age 75, the risk more than doubles.

Several factors contribute to the higher risk: As we age, our skin becomes thinner and more vulnerable to fire. Additionally, as we age, our reflexes slow down. And we are more likely to be on medication that causes drowsiness, further impeding reflex time.

Therefore, it is especially important that we seniors do everything possible to make our environment as safe as possible. While there is no 100 percent foolproof way of preventing a home fire, many things can be done to decrease the likelihood of a fire occurring as well as increasing the likelihood of your surviving should one occur.

The most important rule: Be sure your smoke detector is working.
Change the batteries twice a year: in the spring when you turn your clock forward, and in the fall, when you turn your clock back.

If your smoke detector is located too high for you to safely reach it, ask a family member to help you or call the fire department (838-1170—NOT 911) and ask for assistance.

SMOKING SAFETY—Smoking is the number one cause of fire deaths among senior citizens.

• Do not smoke if you feel drowsy.
• NEVER, NEVER, NEVER smoke in bed.
• Whenever possible, go outside to a concrete patio or walkway to smoke. You’re less likely to doze off outside, and a cigarette dropped on concrete isn’t likely to start a fire.
• If you have been smoking inside, always check armchairs and sofas for lit embers and sparks before you go to bed. Embers can smolder for hours and catch fire after everyone is asleep.
• Be especially careful about smoking if you are consuming alcohol; even more so if you take medication and are consuming alcohol.
• Use deep ashtrays, and make sure all embers are out and no part of the ashtray feels hot before you go to bed.
• To be on the safe side, put the ashtray in an empty sink before you retire.

In addition, look around your home and make sure you don’t have any of the following hazards.

ELECTRICAL SAFETY

• Discard any electrical appliance (including heating pads, electric blankets, coffee makers, etc.) whose cord insulation is dried and/or cracked, even if the appliance still works.
• Consider using a wool mattress pad, flannel sheets, and/or down comforter to keep you warm while you sleep, rather than using electric heating pads and/or electric blankets.
• Never run electrical cords near or over heater vents or other heat sources.
• Never run electrical cords under carpets or rugs.
• Never run electrical cords across walkways or through doorways.
• Never secure electrical cords to walls or floors with nails, tacks, or staples.
• Don’t overload your electrical outlets.

HEATING SAFETY

• Space heaters must be used with utmost caution.
• Space heaters should have a feature that shuts them off automatically if they tip over. DO NOT use a space heater that does not have this feature. Throw it away and buy a new one.
• Space heaters need space around them. Always keep your space heater at least three feet from drapes, upholstery, bedding, walls, and/or anything else that can catch fire.
• Always turn space heaters off when you leave the house or when you go to bed.
• Be very careful that your clothing doesn’t brush against a space heater.
• Space heaters should not be used in the bathroom or around any source of water.

COOKING SAFETY

• Never leave cooking food unattended. If called away from the kitchen, turn the burner(s) off.
• Avoid wearing long, loose sleeves or loose clothing while cooking.
• Turn the pot handles away from the front of the stove toward the outside of the stove, not over another burner.
• If a fire starts in the oven, simply close the oven door, and turn the oven heat off.
• If a pan of grease catches fire, try to slide the cover over the top. NEVER put water on it and do not try to pick it up to put it in the sink.
• If the fire spreads beyond the stove, leave your home immediately. Go to a neighbor’s and call 911.

FIRE DRILLS AREN’T JUST FOR SCHOOL

• Think about what you will do if your home catches fire
• Plan two ways out of every room
• Practice your exits at night—most home fire occur at night; rooms fill quickly with smoke, leaving very little, if any, light

WHAT TO DO IF YOUR HOME CATCHES ON FIRE

• If you can safely do so, get out immediately; go to a neighbor’s and call 911.
• NEVER reenter a burning building.
• If the fire is between you and the exit, go to a room with a window. Close the door and put towels, blankets, etc around the bottom of the door to keep smoke out. Call 911 and tell the operator you are trapped in the room. If the room has no phone, go to the window and scream “Fire” at the top of your lungs.
• If you awaken to find your home on fire, and your bedroom door is closed, feel the door before you open it. If it is hot to the touch, DO NOT open the door. Stuff blankets around the bottom of the door, and follow the instructions above.
• If you awaken to a room full of smoke, do not sit up in bed. Roll off to the floor and crawl to the exit door or window. Smoke rises: the best air is near the floor.

IF YOUR CLOTHES CATCH ON FIRE, remember to STOP, DROP, and ROLL

STOP where you are—running will fan the flames
DROP down to the ground
ROLL over and over, covering your face with your hands.

For more information:

FEMA
http://www.usfa.fema.gov/50plus

The Burn Institute
http://www.burninstitute.org/fbpe/4_8.html
 

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