Aging in Place Safely: Fire Prevention Tips for Seniors
According to research provided by the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), a single home fire occurs approximately every 88 seconds in the United States. Kitchens are the most common place where fires begin in the home, with living rooms coming in close behind. The NFPA also reports that the majority of house fires stem from cooking. Other leading causes of house fires include faulty heating equipment and electrical fires.
As more seniors prefer to age in place, it’s important that they are aware of these alarming statistics and take necessary precautions to prevent fires in their homes. October is National Fire Prevention Month. With that in mind, here are five helpful tips to help seniors prevent fire hazards in their homes.
Check Your Smoke Detectors
The first helpful tip in fire prevention is to check your smoke detectors regularly. The U.S. Fire Administration recommends checking your smoke detectors monthly. Pick a day of the month and mark your calendar so that you remember to complete this task. When your smoke alarm begins to chirp, it’s time to replace the batteries. Do this immediately and avoid the temptation to unplug the alarm. Smoke detectors should be replaced every ten years. Seniors with smoke detectors that are hardwired into the electrical system of their homes still need to test their detectors monthly and replace the backup battery at least once a year. The Beaver Dam Fire Department provides several community outreach programs, including free smoke alarm batteries and help with your smoke detectors.
Stay Vigilant While Cooking
Another important tip to help seniors prevent fire hazards in their homes is to stay vigilant while cooking. Seniors should avoid leaving the kitchen for any reason while using the stove. If you do need to walk away briefly, turn off the stove first. When baking, it’s important that seniors check their ovens and wipe away debris that has fallen to the bottom of their ovens before they turn their ovens on. Set timers to remind you that the oven is on, and stay indoors while your food is baking. Keep a fire extinguisher in the kitchen and ensure it is accessible should a fire occur. Purchase a fire extinguisher at places like Hammes Fire & Safety. If you need a refresher on how to use a fire extinguisher, contact the Beaver Dam Fire Department, which offers fire extinguisher classes.
Avoid Using Electric Heaters
Although electric heaters can help seniors stay warm and cozy as the weather turns cool, some electric heaters can cause significant fire hazards and increase the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning. Seniors should opt for other ways to keep warm, such as layering clothing, using blankets, and winterizing windows and doors. Keep the thermostat to a comfortable temperature and consider hiring a professional to add insulation to your home if it’s still chilly indoors. Local companies, such as Santos Insulation or Marshland Spray Foam, offer insulation services.
Switch to Flameless Candles
The fall and winter seasons make it very tempting for many seniors to create a cozy indoor environment by lighting candles. However, open flames put seniors at an increased risk for accidental fires. Seniors can forget that a candle is lit or doze off while an open flame is burning. They can also unintentionally knock a burning candle off a table, causing a fire to break out. Instead, seniors should switch to flameless candles. Flameless candles offer the same soft, warm glow without the risk of a house fire. Flameless candles can be purchased at many hobby stores, such as JOANN or Walmart.
Keep Your Pathways Clear
Lastly, all seniors should establish the habit of keeping pathways clear so that they can quickly escape their homes should a fire occur. All exits to the home should be clear of clutter, both inside and outside. Likewise, the paths to these exit doors should also remain clutter-free so that seniors don’t trip while trying to escape their homes. When a house fire occurs, smoke can quickly fill the house, making it difficult for seniors to see and navigate. Cluttered pathways only make it more challenging for seniors to escape. The Aging and Disability Resource Center of Dodge County offers abundant resources for older adults, including those who have recently had a fall or are living with a disability. They can provide additional information on fire prevention and help seniors who have experienced a recent fall or who have a disability create a fire escape plan.
Visiting Angels Beaver Dam is here to help seniors prevent fires in their homes. One of the many home care services we provide is assistance with meal planning and preparation. Our compassionate caregivers can work alongside you in the kitchen to ensure your meals go to plan without catching anything on fire. They can also help you test your smoke detectors and keep your pathways to the doors clear of clutter. Our care plans are customized to meet your needs and preferences, including when you want our services to be scheduled. To learn more, please contact us today by calling 920-821-1111.