Fire Safety for Older Adults

Safety for Everyday Living

At age 50 you've worked for years to enjoy all the freedom and experiences life has to offer.

At age 65 you've become a mover and a shaker - meeting new people, traveling, spending time with the grandchildren and learning new hobbies.

Don't let your years of memories and your life today go up in flames.

As we age, our risk of death from fire increases significantly. That is why it is so important to learn and practice safe cooking, smoking, and heating behaviors in your home. With a little fire safety know-how and the tips on this Web page, you can help save lives from unintentional fire death, including your own.

The facts speak for themselves: Adults over the age of 65 are one of the groups at greatest risk of dying in a fire. On average, more than 1,000 Americans age 65 and over die in fires. People over the age of 85 die in fires at a rate five times higher than the rest of the population. However, there are a number of precautionary steps older Adults can take to dramatically reduce their chances of becoming a fire casualty.

Understanding the Risks

Why Are Older People at Risk?

Older Adults are at risk for fire death and injuries for a number of reasons:

• They may be less able to take the quick action necessary in a fire emergency.
• They may be on medication that affects their ability to make quick decisions.
• Many older people live alone and when accidents happen others may not be around to help.

What Fire Hazards Affect Older People?

• Cooking accidents are the leading cause of fire related injuries for older Adults. The kitchen is one of the most active and potentially dangerous rooms in the home.
• The unsafe use of smoking materials is the leading cause of fire deaths among older Adults.
• Heating equipment is responsible for a big share of fires in seniors' homes. Extra caution should be used with alternate heaters such as wood stoves or electric space heaters.
• Unattended candles are a huge fire problem in Oregon.
• Faulty wiring is another major cause of fires affecting the elderly. Older homes can have serious wiring problems, ranging from old appliances with bad wiring to overloaded sockets.
• Electric extension cords should only be used with portable appliances. Make sure the extension cord is in good condition, is sized right for the job, and always look for the Underwriters Laboratories (UL) listing for the proper use. Remember to unplug your extension cord when not in use.
• Candles are the number one cause of home fires in Oregon. Remember to keep candles away from anything that will burn. Don't use candles if you have pets or small children in the home. They can bump and topple candles and start a fire easily. If you do use candles, be sure that you blow them out when you leave the room or retire for the evening. Never leave them unattended.

Safety Tips for Older Adults

• Kitchen Fires. Most kitchen fires occur because food is left unattended on the stove or in the oven. If you must leave the kitchen while cooking, take a spoon or potholder with you to remind you to return to the kitchen. Never cook with loose, dangling sleeves that can ignite easily. Heat cooking oils gradually and use extra caution when deep-frying. If a fire breaks out in a pan, put a lid on it. Keep a tight fitting lid near when cooking. Never throw water on a grease fire. That will only make it worse. Never use a range or cook stove to heat your home. They are not intended to be used that way, and can ignite a fire easily.
• Space Heaters. Buy only heaters evaluated by a nationally recognized laboratory, such as UL. Electric space heaters need to have an automatic shut off device that will turn off the unit when it is overturned. Do not use electric space heaters in the bathroom or around other wet areas. Do not dry or store objects on top of your heater. Keep combustibles at least 3 feet away from heat sources. Remember Space Heaters need SPACE. Turn off and unplug heaters when you leave the room or retire for the evening.
• Smoking. Don't leave smoking materials unattended. Use "safety ashtrays" with wide lips. Empty all ashtrays into a metal container filled with water every night before going to bed. Never smoke in bed.

Finally, having a working smoke alarm dramatically increases your chances of surviving a fire.

Don't wait to make your plan to escape - do it now. And remember to practice your home escape plan frequently. Do not block any of your walk ways or exit doors with furniture! Make sure you can find your way out of your home, even in the dark.

If you do have a fire in your home, get outside as quickly as you can. Take a portable phone with you or go to the neighbors and call 9-1-1. Never go back inside your home for ANY reason.

If you need help developing an escape plan, have questions about how to make your home safer, or are unable to purchase a smoke alarm or need assistance to have one installed, contact the District office. See "Contact Us" at the bottom of the page, or under "INSIDE CRR FIRE" on this web site.

We are here to help you anyway we can - don't hesitate to call us!