Christine JamesChristine JamesKortnie HarrisKortnie HarrisEbony ReidEbony ReidAshley JamesAshley James

Older Adults, of age 65 and older, Older Adults, of age 65 and older, are twice as likely to die in fires are twice as likely to die in fires as any other age group.as any other age group.

They are also at high risk of injury They are also at high risk of injury from fires.from fires.

The death rate for those 85 and The death rate for those 85 and over is four times the national over is four times the national average.average.

They are less able to quickly move They are less able to quickly move when there is a fire emergency.when there is a fire emergency.

May also be on medication that May also be on medication that affect their decisions and mobility.affect their decisions and mobility.

Many elderly people live alone and Many elderly people live alone and unable to receive help from others.unable to receive help from others.

LocalLocal StateState National mortalityNational mortality morbiditymorbidity

The unsafe use of smoking materials is the leading cause of fire deaths among older Americans.

Careless smoking accounts for nearly one-third of the fire deaths in adults over age 70.

Cooking accidents are the leading cause of fire related injuries for older Americans.

The kitchen is one of the most active and potentially dangerous rooms in the home.

Heating equipment is responsible for a big share of fires in seniors’ homes.

Faulty wiring is another major cause of fires affecting the elderly.

Before the FireBefore the Fire

- Identify the nearest emergency exit- Install and Maintain Smoke Alarms- Have a Fire Extinguisher- Plan and practice escape plans- Make sure windows can be unlocked and opened, and security bars released.

During the FireDuring the Fire

- Get Out and Stay Out- Get Out and Stay Out- Stop, Drop, and Roll- Stop, Drop, and Roll- Stay Low- Stay Low

- If physically unable to, - If physically unable to, try to cover mouth and nose to avoid breathing toxic fumes and get to

safety as quickly as possible

CookingCooking Never leave the stove unattended while cooking. If

you need to step away from the stove, turn it off. Wear tight-fitting clothing when cooking over an

open flame, and keep towels and potholders away from the flame.

If food or grease catches fire, smother the flames by sliding a lid over the pan and turning off the heat. Never use water to put out grease fire.

Turn pot handles away from the front of the stove so

they cannot be knocked off or pulled down.

Electrical SafetyElectrical Safety Homes more than 40 years old are three times

more likely to catch on fire from electrical causes than homes 11 to 20 years old.

Extension cords are meant for temporary use only, and should be unplugged when not in use.

If you see frayed cords on older appliances, have the cord repaired; or replace the appliance altogether.

SmokingSmoking If you smoke, never smoke in bed, while

drowsy, or while under the influence of medication or alcohol.

Use large, deep ashtrays so smoking materials don’t fall out.

Check furniture for smoldering cigarette butts and ashes before going to bed.

Make sure cigarettes are put all the way out Make sure cigarettes are put all the way out and never walk away from a lit cigarette.and never walk away from a lit cigarette.

Space HeatersSpace Heaters Give space heaters space. Keep heaters at least

3 feet from any combustible material, including people. Follow the manufacturers’ directions regarding operation, fueling, and maintenance of your space heater. Do not use heaters or other heating devices to dry clothing.

HeatingHeating Have your heating systems and chimneys

checked and cleaned annually by a professional. Keep fuel outside or in a detached storage area or shed.

U.S. Fire Administration- www.usfa.fema.gov

http://www.homesafetycouncil.org/safety_guide/safetyguide.aspx

http://www.firesafety.gov/directory/at-risk/olderadult.shtm

National Fire Protection Association- http://www.nfpa.org/index.asp