October 15, 2021
Adults over the age of 65 are one of the highest risk groups for accidental house fires. The risk of dying in a home fire increases with age as more adults lose mobility, experience sight and hearing loss, and develop cognitive confusion. For aging adults who choose to live in their own home, fire safety is an essential part of their home care plan. Anyone caring for an aging loved one who wishes to age in place should also be aware of the risks, how to prevent accidental home fires, and how to prevent injury caused by accidental home fires.
Why Are Older Adults at Risk for Fire Injuries and Death?
Complications associated with aging, like physical and cognitive degeneration, increase the likelihood of accidental house fires while also increasing the risk of injury and death from accidental house fires. Some common reasons why older adults are at risk for fire injuries and death include:
- Physical mobility issues that may limit their ability to take quick action in the event of an emergency
- Many older adults live alone, and therefore do not have anyone to help them in the case of an emergency
- Certain medications may affect a person’s reaction time, limiting their ability to take quick action
There are steps that seniors and their loved ones can take to prevent accidental home fires and also reduce the risk of injury or death.
Establish Strict Rules Around Smoking
Fire caused by smoking is the leading cause of fire death among people who are 65 years old or older. By following a few simple guidelines, the risk of fires caused by smoking can be eliminated:
- No smoking in bed, preferably, smoking would only be done outdoors
- No smoking around oxygen tanks
- Use deep ashtrays that are less likely to have ashes blown out
- Use heavy ashtrays that are less likely to tip over by accident
- Safely putting out cigarettes by dunking them in water
Stay Attentive When Cooking
Cooking accidents are the number one cause of accidental home fires and the most common cause of fire-related injuries among seniors. To reduce the risk of cooking fires:
- Don’t leave anything unattended while cooking, whether it’s boiling, grilling, or frying
- Use proper clothing when cooking, like sleeves that are short or rolled up
- Move things that can catch fire away from the stove
- Turn pot and pan handles away from you to prevent bumping them by accident
If a stove fire does occur, take the following steps:
- Turn off the stove
- Put the flame out with baking soda
- Put the lid on the pot/pan
- Leave the pot/pan where it is
Map Out a Detailed Escape Plan
When a fire breaks out in a home, people have less than 3 minutes to get out of the building. An escape plan should take into account the older adult’s physical and mental capabilities. Some things to consider when making an escape plan are to:
- Put all important items, such as eyeglasses, hearing aids, and canes, next to your bed while sleeping
- Practice escape routes at least twice a year
- Make sure that doors and windows are easy to unlock
- Ensure that if your loved one has a two-story home that they sleep on the ground level to make evacuation easier
Install Smoke Alarms and Check Them Regularly
Smoke alarms warn you that there is a fire before you can even see it or smell it. If your loved one does not have smoke alarms installed in their home, consider calling the fire department and asking for help. In some cases, seniors qualify for free smoke alarms and installation. Make sure to:
- Test your smoke alarms once a month to make sure they work
- Make sure that everyone in the house can hear them, even when sleeping
- For people with hearing issues, consider getting a notification device that vibrates or uses strobe lights to wake them up
Consider Hiring a Caregiver
Having a caregiver in the house allows aging adults to live independently while also getting assistance in daily activities. Having a caregiver can also help reduce the risk of accidental burns and fires.
Licensed nurses and home aides at JSP Home Care Services provide compassionate care to aging adults who prefer to age in place. For example, a home aide can cook for your loved one, or they can be there while your loved one cooks, to reduce the risk of accidental fire. To learn more about how we can help your loved one age in place safely, contact us online or call 866.860.2528.
Sources:
https://www.seniorliving.org/fire-prevention-guide/ https://www.usfa.fema.gov/downloads/fief/up_in_smoke_escape_plan_poster.pdf
