According to the U.S. Fire Administration, older adults – ages 65 and older – are more likely to be injured during a fire. It’s important that seniors (and also their caregivers) take steps to protect themselves from a fire in their home. Here are some recommendations:
- Have a smoke alarm that works for seniors and the functional needs they might have, i.e. many smoke alarms have lower decibel ranges for those who are hard of hearing. Others may have smoke alarms with strobes or a separate bed shaker. There are also smoke alarms with long-lasting batteries for someone with mobility issues or vision loss.
- Have conversations with the household members, caregivers and friends about a fire safety plan. Develop and test an escape plan that works. If they live in multi-level housing such as an apartment or high-rise, make sure they know the evacuation route, and where the nearest fire extinguisher is.
- Take into consideration any additional items they may need to take with them quickly. For example, keep any devices such as wheelchairs, canes, eyeglasses and hearing aids in a consistent place, along with a GO|STAY|KIT so they can get it fast, and get out quickly.
