Adults over the age of 65 are at a higher risk of fire-related injuries or death. Mobility, hearing, vision and cognitive changes that may occur with age can increase the risk of a fire starting in the home and make it difficult for an older adult to escape safely. Being prepared is the best way to prevent and respond to a fire. Here are some tips to help older adults and their caregivers learn more about fire safety and how to react in an emergency situation.

Install and Inspect Smoke Alarms

• Most fire fatalities occur in homes without working smoke alarms—smoke alarms save lives!
• It is the law in Ontario to have smoke alarms installed outside of all sleeping areas and on every level of the home, including the basement.
• Alarms should ideally be connected so when one alarm goes off, they all sound.
• In homes with older adults, it is a good idea to invest in flashing or vibrating smoke alarms which can help compensate for hearing or vision loss.
• If your alarms are not combination smoke and gas detectors, consider upgrading them. Otherwise, separate carbon monoxide detectors must be installed on each floor of the home as well.
• To make sure the alarms you have continue to work as they should, test your alarms every month, replace batteries at least once a year and follow manufacturer’s guidelines for cleaning.
• Replace any alarm that doesn’t respond to testing or is over ten years old.

Add Fire Extinguishers

• Fire extinguishers should also be installed on each story of the home. Extinguishers are particularly important in the kitchen, laundry room and garage areas.
• Check the pressure gauge regularly and learn the P.A.S.S. technique so you know how to use one if necessary. These steps include:
  • Pull the pin
  • Aim at the base of the fire
  • Squeeze the handle
  • Sweep back and forth vigorously

Watch Heat Sources and Hazards

• Furnaces, water heaters, chimneys and fireplaces all require regular inspection and maintenance. Consult with a local authorized dealer or repair company to set up a service schedule.
• Fireplaces should have a glass or metal screen barrier in place to prevent sparks from escaping.
• Electric space heaters should be at least three feet away from anything flammable, including couches, beds, clothes and curtains.
• Shut off space heaters when you go to bed or leave your home and never plug these units into extension cords or power bars. Always plug them in directly to a wall outlet.
• Do not leave candles unattended and consider using flameless, battery-operated LED versions for the same cozy, ambiance.
• Keep matches and lighters in a secure place and out of reach of children or older adults living with dementia or cognitive decline.
• Store propane and other fuels outside of your home.
• For smokers, it’s always best to smoke outside and to dispose of cigarette butts in deep ashtrays filled with sand or water.
• Do not smoke inside if medical oxygen is being used in the home. Oxygen can cause materials to ignite more easily and fires to burn at a faster rate.

 Practice Electrical Safety

• Electrical work in the home should always be done by a licensed electrician.
• All major appliances including refrigerators, stoves, washers and dryers should be plugged directly into a wall outlet.
• Use power strips with build-in surge protection instead of extension cords and have an electrician determine if more outlets are needed.
• If you are using extension cords, they should never run under rugs or through walls, doors or ceilings or be permanently secured or stapled.
• Check that all electrical appliances meet Canadian national safety standards and display CSA, cUL, or cETL certifications. This is especially important when purchasing items online from an international seller.
• Get rid of any damaged, frayed or loose electrical cords and if an appliance starts to smell, make unusual sounds or is warm to the touch, stop using it.
• Do not leave electronic devices with rechargeable batteries like phones or laptops charging on beds, couches or other soft surfaces.

Be Cautious When Cooking

• Cooking fires are the number one cause of house fires and fire-related injuries.
• Don’t cook if you are sleepy, have consumed alcohol or are taking medications that make you drowsy.
• Never leave food unattended while cooking and turn off burners if you have to leave the kitchen.
• Wear fitted or short sleeves when cooking and keep towels and pot holders away from the stove.
• Place pot handles inward to prevent accidental spills and avoid deep frying or cooking with hot oil.
• Keep cookware lids nearby in case a pot catches on fire. If that happens, carefully slide a lid over the pot to smother the flames and have a fire extinguisher or fire blanket within arm’s reach.
• Get into the habit of doing a quick check after cooking to make sure that the oven, burners and other appliances are off.
• If you are replacing your own or an older loved one’s oven, consider purchasing an induction stove top. These appliances use electromagnetic waves, instead of flames or hot coils, which can significantly reduce the risk of fire.

Plan Your Escape

• Know and practice two ways out of each room or refer to your building’s fire safety plan.
• Go over your escape plan regularly and make sure everyone in your home knows how to get out quickly. If you are providing care for a loved one and they live independently, go through this process for their space.
• Designate a safe meeting place outside of the home for everyone to meet.
• Double check that all windows open and aren’t sealed shut with paint. If there are security bars on doors or windows, ensure that they have emergency release devices inside.
• Clear all stairs, hallways and exits of clutter.
• Always keep eyeglasses, hearing aids, mobility devices and a phone or alert device next to the bed.

Know What to Do in an Emergency

• Get out fast and do not return inside for people, pets or personal items.
• Feel the doorknob and the spaces around doors before opening. If you feel heat, use the secondary exit, if possible.
• Inhaling smoke can have dangerous consequences. Because smoke rises, get down to the floor where the air is cleaner. If possible, crawl on your hands and knees and evacuate quickly.
• Stop, drop and roll if your clothes catch on fire.
• If you are trapped, keep your door closed, cover all vents and doors with clothing and call 911 immediately.

With the increased risk of fire accidents among older adults, it’s essential to have safety steps in place and to be extra mindful of potential hazards. Being prepared and knowing what to do in an emergency can help keep you and your loved ones safe.

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