Fire Safety For Senior Citizens: What Every Senior Needs To Know
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Fire Safety For Senior Citizens: What Every Senior Needs To Know

Fire Safety For Senior Citizens: What Every Senior Needs To Know

According to The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), the US fire departments respond to hundreds of thousands of residential fires per year. Since the elderly population is at risk of getting injured in a residential fire, it's imperative to know what to do to prevent and what to do in the event of a home fire. 

Most Common Sources Of Fire In A Home

There are many potential sources of fire in a home, but some are more common than others. Here are the most common sources of fire in a home and some tips on how to prevent them:

  • Cooking Appliances

Cooking is the number one cause of home fires, so it's important to be careful when using any cooking appliance. Seniors should never leave food unattended on the stove and ensure their ovens and stovetops are always clean.

  • Heating Appliances

Heat sources like furnaces, fireplaces, and space heaters can be a fire hazard if they're not used properly. As such, seniors should follow the manufacturer's instructions and never leave a heating appliance unattended.

  • Electrical Appliances

Electrical fires are relatively common, and they can be caused by anything from faulty wiring to overloaded outlets. Therefore, seniors should be careful when using electrical appliances and ensure their home's wiring is up to code.

  • Smoking Materials

Cigarettes are one of the leading causes of fires, so it's important to be careful when smoking. So, seniors should not only avoid smoking in bed, but they should also dispose of smoking materials properly.

  • Candles 

Candles are a common source of fires because they are often left unattended or not used properly. Therefore, seniors should never leave them unattended. Moreover, they should make sure that they extinguish candles before going to bed or leaving the room.

How Seniors Can Prepare For A Fire Emergency

There are several things seniors can do to prepare for a fire emergency. They include:

  • Install smoke alarms on every level of your home and in every bedroom. Test them monthly and make sure they have fresh batteries.
  • Develop a fire escape plan and practice it regularly. They should also ensure that everyone that lives in the household knows two ways to get out of every room in the event of a fire.
  • If living in an apartment building, seniors should know the location of the nearest fire exits and ensure they can get to them quickly and easily.
  • If a senior has a disability that makes it difficult to get out of the house in an emergency, they should ensure they have a plan in place to get help.
  • Seniors should keep flammable items like newspapers and blankets away from heat sources like radiators and space heaters.

By taking some simple precautions, seniors can greatly reduce their risk of being injured in a fire.

Tips On What To Do If There's A Fire

If you are a senior, there are some things you should do if there is a fire. They are:

  • First, try to stay calm. 
  • Then, call 911 and tell them your address. 
  • Next, try to get out of the house. 
  • If a senior can't get out, they should go to a room with a window and wave a white towel or sheet out the window.
  • Once the firefighters arrive, follow their instructions.
  • Once evacuated, a senior should go to a safe location and wait for further instructions.

How In-Home Senior Caregivers Can Help

In-home senior caregivers can play a vital role in helping seniors stay safe in the event of a fire. Here are the ways in which they can help:

  • Make sure seniors have working smoke alarms in their homes and test them regularly.
  • Help seniors create and practice a fire escape plan to ensure they're well aware of where to go if a fire breaks out.
  • If a fire does break out, they can help seniors get out of the house immediately and go to a safe place.
  • Stay with seniors until the fire is out and help them with anything they need.

If you're in need of In-home senior care services in North Carolina, you should consider Senior Helpers Hendersonville. We are a premier provider of in-home senior care services in Hendersonville, Gallatin, Clarksville, Goodlettsville, and Cookeville. Whether your elderly parents need companion care, daily assistance, or in-depth specialized care, we can customize our services to meet their unique needs. Contact us today to find out more about our services.