FIRE STOPS WITH YOU
Fire Safety Lasts a Lifetime: A Fire Safety Factsheet for Older
Adults and their Caregivers
People over the age of 65 face
the greatest risk of dying in a fire. Last year, more than 1,200
Americans over the age of 65 died in home fires and 3,000 were
injured in fire-related incidences.
The United States Fire
Administration (USFA), a directorate of the Federal Emergency
Management Agency (FEMA), wants older adults, their caregivers
and all Americans to know that there are special precautions you
can take to protect yourself and your home from fire.
UNDERSTANDING THE RISK
Why are Older Adults at Risk?
Decreased mobility, health,
sight, and hearing may limit a person’s ability to take
the quick action necessary to escape during a fire
emergency.
Depending on physical
limitations, many of the actions an individual can take to
protect themselves from the dangers of fire may require help
from a caregiver, neighbor, or outside source.
INSTALL AND MAINTAIN SMOKE
ALARMS
Make sure smoke alarms are
installed on each level of your home and outside all
sleeping areas.
Test them monthly and
replace the batteries at least once a year.
Caregivers are encouraged to
check the smoke alarms of those who are unable to do it
themselves. The chances of surviving a home fire almost
doubles with the initial warning from a smoke alarm.
PLAN YOUR ESCAPE
Planning fire escape plans
around one’s capabilities is a key element to fire safety!
Know at least two exits from
every room.
If you use a walker or
wheelchair, check all exits to be sure they can go through
the doorways.
Make any necessary
accommoda-tions, such as providing exit ramps and widening
doorways to facilitate an emergency escape.
Unless instructed by the
fire department, never use an elevator during a fire.
DON’T ISOLATE YOURSELF
Speak to your family
members, building manager, or neighbors about your fire
safety plan and practice it with them.
Contact your local fire
department’s non-emergency line and explain your special
needs.
The fire department will
probably suggest escape plan ideas and may perform a home
fire safety inspection and offer suggestions about smoke
alarm placement and maintenance.
Ask emergency providers to
keep your special needs information on file.
LIVE NEAR AN EXIT
Although you have the legal
right to live where you choose, you’ll be safest on the ground
floor if you live in an apartment building.
If you live in a multi-story
home, arrange to sleep on the ground floor, and near and
exit.
BE FIRE-SAFE AROUND THE HOME
The leading cause of
residential fire deaths among older adults is careless smoking.
If you must smoke, never
smoke in bed or near an oxygen source, gas stove, or other
flammable object.
When cooking, never approach
an open flame while wearing loose clothing and don’t leave
cooking unattended. Use a timer to remind you of food in the
oven.
Don’t overload electrical
outlets or extension cords.
Never use the oven to heat
your home. Properly maintain chimneys and space heaters.
Take special precaution if
you are on medication that makes you drowsy.
KNOW YOUR ABILITIES
When it comes to fire - don’t
be scared, be prepared. Fire Stops With You!
For More Information
Contact:
The United States Fire Administration
Office of Fire Management Programs
16825 South Seton Avenue
Emmitsburg, MD 21727
