|
The
risk of fire death for people age 65 and over is three times greater
than the risk for adults under age 65. WHY???
- 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
Each
year, more than 1,300 Americans 65 years old and older die in fires.
What are some steps you could take NOW to help make sure you don't
lose YOUR life in a fire?
SMOKE DETECTORS
Having smoke detectors that work cuts your
risk of dying in a home fire in half by providing the early warning
necessary for escape. Over 75% of U.S. homes have at least one smoke
detector, but almost half do not work!
PLACEMENT
Minimum of one per floor Avoid false alarm prone areas, kitchen, fireplaces, etc. Place Outside of and inside of bedrooms.
MAINTENANCE
- Monthly testing
- Periodic cleaning or dusting
- Annual battery change
KITCHEN FIRES
People over the age of 74 suffer the highest home cooking fire death rates in the United States. The majority of
fire deaths in this age group were caused by combustible items positioned
too close to the cooking device. Kitchens are high hazard area for
fires Don't leave cooking unattended, but if you must leave:
- Shut off burners
- Take a utensil or pot holder as a reminder
- Never cook with loose, dangling sleeves, such as bathrobes
- Turn pot handles in to avoid bumping and spilling
- ALWAYS keep a lid next to the pan you are cooking in, so it can be easily covered in case of a small pan
fire. Then, shut off burner for cooling. Baking soda will also work
well.
- DO NOT use water on cooking fires.
- Regular cleaning of cooking equipment helps keep grease build-up in check.
BURNS AND SCALDS
Turn hot water heater down to 120 degrees Fahrenheit or a low setting or install anti-scald valves in the sink, shower and bathtub areas.
Cool a burn by submerging in cool water (avoid ice or butter) Place a clean, dry bandage or cloth over the
burn - Call 911 if severe Remember to "Stop, Drop and Roll" if clothes
catch fire and you are able.
SMOKING MATERIAL
The number one cause of fire deaths is smoking material Use large ashtrays, with big lips, and don't leave smoking
materials unattended Empty ashtrays in toilet or sink. Never smoke
in bed If feeling drowsy, extinguish all smoking materials.
HOME ESCAPE
PLANS Most people fail to plan what to do in an emergency, but by carefully planning your actions ahead, injuries
and deaths can be avoided. Items to keep near your bed:
- a telephone
- a whistle and your eyeglasses.
Put your glasses on in an emergency
to see your way. The whistle lets people know where you are AND awakens
other people The telephone to call 911 if trapped in room and unable
to escape PLAN the escape routes in the home: primary and secondary
exits from every room, and be sure to check all windows for easy opening.
PRACTICE THE PLAN
Carbon monoxide (present in all fires) affects your judgment - plan ahead so you will know what to do Sleep
with bedroom doors closed to allow extra time for escape. If your smoke detector
goes off:
Roll out of bed, crawl to door, feel for heat, crawl out or use the secondary exit, if necessary Leave valuables and call 911
from a neighbor's phone.
NEVER RE-ENTER! If you cannot escape: call 911 on phone and
let them know of your location, hang a sheet or blanket out your window,
and blow your whistle.
SPACE HEATERS AND HEATING EQUIPMENT Keep three feet of clearance
around heating equipment Never place combustibles ON heaters to heat
them up quickly.
ELECTRICAL EQUIPMENT Regularly inspect electrical
and extension cords Consider UL approved outlet strip with built-in
circuit breaker Do not run extension cords under rugs.
FIRE EXTINGUISHERS Know the classes of fire: Class A is ordinary
combustibles Class B is flammable liquids Class C is energized electrical
equipment Know in advance where extinguishers are kept and the classes
of fire they are effective on. Call the fire department before attempting
to use an extinguisher. Keep an exit at your back, as a way out in
case of an emergency PASS (Pull, Aim, Squeeze, and Sweep) to use fire
extinguishers
|
