Fire Safety For Seniors

Why Seniors Are At Risk And What To Do About It
Eighty-two percent of all fire deaths occur in the home.  People over the age of 65 are one of the groups at highest risk of dying in a fire.  People age 65-75 are twice as likely as the general population, 75-85 are three times as likely, and 85+ are four and one-half times as likely to be killed in a house fire.
 
Why is this?  Decreased mobility, health, sight, and hearing may limit a senior citizen's ability to take 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.

Fire Life-Saving Tips
-Install a smoke alarm on every level of your home
-Test smoke alarm batteries every month and change frequently
-Consider installing a 10-year lithium battery smoke alarm
-Develop and practice a home fire escape plan
-Keep a fire extinguisher handy

Go Room To Room: Kitchen
-The kitchen is a high danger zone for fire, so be cautious when cooking.
-Do not leave food unattended when cooking.
-Don't weat loose clothing while cooking.
-Never use the range or oven to heat the home.
-Double-check the kitchen to be sure everything is turned off before going to bed.
-Double-check the kitchen to be sure everything is turned off before leaving home.
-Don't overload electrical outlets.
-Always keep dish towels away from all appliances.

Go Room To Room: Bedroom

Bedrooms are a common area of fire origin.  Many bedroom fires are caused by misuse or poor maintenance of electrical devices, such as overloading extension cords, using damaged electric blankets, or operating portable space heaters too close to combustibles.  Many other bedroom fires are caused by children who play with matches and lighters, careless smoking among adults, and arson.  Before you tuck yourself into bed for the night, make sure you take the time to prevent possible fires in the bedroom.

Free No-Obligation In-Home Assessment From Visiting Angels®

We can provide you with peace of mind and perform a free in-home safety assessment at your convenience.  The safety and security of seniors is our first concern at Visiting Angels, so contact us today.  We can be reached at 813-909-2550 or 727-841-8440.  If you prefer, you can send us an email at wecare@visitingangelstampabay.com  and one of our friendly and knowledgeable Angels would quickly get back in touch with you.

Safety For Seniors At Home

What May Not Be An Obstacle To You May Be To Your Elder Loved One.

The next time you visit an elder loved one, take a few minutes to make sure that their home is suited to the mobility and agility limitations we can all experience as we age.

Take A Walk Through The House

* Keep all areas of the house, including hallways and stairs, well-lit.

*Remove scatter rugs, or attach a non-skid backing to them.

*Reduce the risk of falling by making sure floors are not slippery. 

*Use night lights in the bedroom, hallways, kitchen, and bathrooms.

*Keep the stove area in the kitchen free of towels, paper towels, and napkins.

*Remove all newspapers and magazines from the kitchen counter area.

*Keep a fire extinguisher in the kitchen, and teach everyone how to use it.

*Inspect electrical cords for fraying or cracking; be sure they are placed away from walking.

*Make sure electrical cords are placed away from walking paths, but not under carpet or furniture.

*Set the hot water temperature at 115 degrees or below on the water heater.

*Use slip-resistant decals or non-skid mats in the tub or shower.

*Install grab bars in the bathtub and by the toilet that are securely anchored into the wall studs.

*Check to be sure that extension cords are not overloaded  and are clear of walkways.

*Install smoke detectors on every floor of the home and test them.

*Destroy out-of-date medications and those which are no longer being used.

*Place a telephone in the bedroom and post emergency numbers by all telephones.

*Keep space heaters away from flammable materials, and be sure the room is well ventilated.

*A three-pronged plug should be used in a three hole outlet, or an adapter should be used.

*Always turn off heating pads before an older person goes to sleep.

*Have an emergency exit plan and an alternative plan in case of fire.

Talk With Your Loved Ones About Any Safety Issues
After walking through the home of your loved ones, you should discuss with them any safety issues you found in their home.  If you have questions about how to make the home of an elderly loved one safer, please contact us today. 

Visiting Angels® Can Help!
Here in the Tampa Bay area of Florida, let us demonstrate that Visiting Angels is "America's Choice In Home Care!"  If you would like to set up a free no-obligation assessment for your loved one, or just want to speak with one of our friendly and knowledgeable Angels, just give us a call at 813-909-2550, or, 727-841-8440.  If you prefer, you can send us an email at wecare@visitingangelstampabay.com and we'll get right back to you.