Fire Safety for the Elderly

Focus on fire accidents focus on safety measures

• Whether the reason is an electrical malfunction or an act of nature, a home can go up in the fire in a matter of minutes. Due to lack of mobility and other ailments elderly people have an increased risk of death in a fire accident

• The risks of fire accidents are very dangerous and everyone should be educated about the diverse factors of fire safety awareness training especially children, and the elderly, since they represent almost 34% of the population

• Older people are statistically proven to be the most prone sufferers of a fire accident. At age sixty-five and above people are two times as likely to be killed or injured in a fire compared to other age groups

Importance of a small instrument that do a big safety!!!

• Surprisingly, in the winter months that we are more prone to fire dangers. The chance of a family surviving after a fire accident is literally doubled by fixing of a small smoke alarm

• Smoke is a mixture of particles and gasoline made a fire. Smoke alarms can provide you with a warning of this lethal mixture earlier than you may see smoke or smell it.

• Special smoke alarms are available for the deaf and hard of hearing.

• Fire prevention tools for the old people are readily available and can be operated easily.

A few safety precautions

If elderly people are living independently or in a care facility, there are a few basic precaution that they educated about it.

Fire Safety for the Elderly

While cooking

• Wear close fitting sleeves or an apron to avoid clothes catching on fire.

• Don’t leave food unattended on the stove try to keep an eye on it.

• Always keep the toaster and stove clean because sometimes the grease or crumbs that settle may build up and cause a fire.

Safe smoking

• If you are a smoker try not to smoke in bed or while lying on a couch.

• Always have the safety of an ashtray nearby the bed and clean it properly once used.

• Never smoke near an oxygen tank.

Other basic checks

• Always unplug the heaters or other electrical appliances when not in use or before going to bed.

• Don’t hang clothes too near the heater to dry them.

• Place a smoke alarm in all rooms possible but not in the kitchen.

• Plan your escape from a fire

• If a fire occurs do not panic and believe that you will get out of the fire.

• Always spot the fire exit from your apartment or find out two ways out of a room.

• Note the emergency numbers to call for help near your bed.

• As soon as you see a fire, try to move out of the fire area and get as low to the ground so that you will not be as affected by the deadly smoke.

For more valuable information -  http://www.veteranfiresafety.co.uk/training/fire-safety-training