Safety for the Elderly

Fire and Fall Prevention for our Older Adults

Older adults who, at age 65, are twice as likely to be killed or injured by fires, compared to the population at large. By age 75, that risk increases to three times that of the general population - four times at age 85.

Below are some tips that can help protect you and your family.

Be kitchen smart

  • Wear tight-fitting or rolled up sleeves when cooking.
  • Use oven mitts instead of pot holder to handle hot pans.
  • Never leaving your cooking unattended, use timers to remind you that you have something on the stove.
  • If a fire should start, slide a lid over it and turn off the burner.
  • Don't cook if you are drowsy from alcohol or medication.

Smokers need

  • Large, deep ashtrays.
  • Wet cigarette butts and ashes before emptying into trash.
  • Never smoke with drowsy, lying down or in bed.

Space heaters need space

  • Keep them at least 3 feet away from anything that can burn.
  • Unplug heaters when you shut them off, leave home or go to bed.
  • Purchase only those that have automatic shut off when tipped over.

To give you early warning -- you need a Smoke Alarm

  • Have them installed outside the sleeping areas on every level of your home
  • Test them at least once a month by pushing the test button.
  • Make sure that everyone in the home can hear the alarm, even with the doors shut.

Have an escape plan and practice it

  • Know two ways out of every room in your home.
  • Make sure that you can open windows and doors easily.
  • Keep a spare key near your doors to help you get out easier.
  • Once outside call 9-1-1.
  • Do not got back inside.