Senior Citizen Safety – Preventing Elder Deaths Due to Fire

Did you know that people over age 65 have a fire related death rate that is almost twice the national average?
People over 75 are three times as likely to die in a fire than the general population.
Here are some ways to protect your older loved ones from fires.

  • Cooking safety. Many fires are caused by food burning on the stove. Have a home attendant or senior companion prepare cooked meals. Make prepared dinners that can be microwaved.
  • Beware of loose clothing. Garments with long sleeves can catch fire easily. Try to avoid clothing that can catch a spark, or cause a fall.
  • Keep stove clean. Avoid fires caused by crumbs or grease.
  • Keep a lid on it! When frying, keep a lid handy to quickly smother a flare up.
  • Check pot holders for wear and tear. A bad pot holder can cause a drop that can quickly cause a fire or other injury.
  • Never use a stove to heat the home … ever. Stoves can suck the oxygen out of the room … or get so hot they can cause fires.
  • Keep things away from heaters, at least one foot clear.
  • Get rid of old appliances. Throw out anything with a worn cord.
  • Unplug appliances when they’re not in use.
  • Install surge protectors.
  • Keep a phone handy. Make sure your aging parent has a reliable and easy to use phone to quickly call for 911. Click here to learn more about our preferred phone for senior citizens.
  • Give your aging loved one an emergency alert pendant so that with a push of a button they can be connected with a call center for help.  Go with Lifestation.
  • Install smoke and fire alarms and test them!
  • Toss out the clutter. Old books, newspapers and magazines provide fires a fast and easy way to spread. Junk that blocks exits or can cause a slip and fall must go.
  • Hire a licensed electrician to inspect the home for frayed wires and other electrical fire hazards. Ask your local fire department to drop by. Your parents may not listen to you, but they may listen to the Fire Chief.
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