FIRE STOPS WITH YOU
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 1,200
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.
For More Information
Contact:
The United States Fire Administration
Office of Fire Management Programs
16825 South Seton Avenue
Emmitsburg, MD 21727
