Help Senior Loved Ones Prevent Home Fires

Fire Prevention Week is held in October—a good time to talk to your family about fire safety. And don't forget senior relatives! Older adults are at a greater risk for fires for several reasons. They may be less able to take the necessary quick action in a fire emergency. They may be taking medications that affect their ability to make decisions. Memory loss may be an issue. And seniors are more likely to be alone when accidents happen.

Whether your loved one lives with you, alone, or in a senior living community, here are five suggestions to share for lowering the risk of fire:

	Practise Cooking Safety. Most kitchen fires occur because food is left unattended on the stove. Try this trick: if you leave the kitchen while cooking, bring a spoon or potholder along to remind you to return to the kitchen. Also, avoid cooking while wearing loose sleeves that could come in contact with a burner.
	Install Smoke Alarms. Be sure you have a working smoke alarm on every level of the home, outside sleeping areas and inside bedrooms. Replace the battery annually—perhaps while resetting clocks for Daylight Savings Time. And test all alarms once a month.
	Practise Space Heater Safety. Buy only Underwriter's Laboratory (UL) approved heaters. Don't place electric space heaters in the bathroom or around other wet areas. Keep bedding and other combustibles away from space heaters, and don't dry or store objects on top of them.
	Create a Home Escape Plan. Know at least two exits from every room. If you use a walker, wheelchair or other mobility aid, home modifications such as widened doorways and exit ramps add an extra margin of safety. And remember: in case of fire, exiting quickly is more important than trying to save possessions.
	If You Smoke, Take Safety Precautions. Don't leave smoking materials unattended. Use deep ashtrays, and don't put them on the arms of sofa or chairs. Empty all ashtrays into the toilet or a metal container before going to bed. Never smoke in bed—and if you start to feel sleepy, extinguish smoking materials immediately.

According to Fire Prevention Canada, people over age 65 are one of the groups at greatest risk of death or injury during a fire—and fires at home are the most common. Take steps now to keep yourself and older loved ones safe.

For More Information

Visit the Fire Prevention Canada website, where you will find more tips about fire safety for older adults.

Just For Fun "Senior Fire Safety" Wordfind Fire safety starts at home! The best way to avoid fires is to prevent them, and to be prepared. This month's puzzle contains 20 words having to do with fire prevention. Print your copy and give your brain a workout by finding them all. Photos: US Fire Administration