Fire Safety For Older Americans
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The
facts speak for themselves: Americans over the age
of 65 are one of the groups at greatest risk of
dying in a fire. Every year over 1,000 Americans
over age 65 die in fires. People over the age of
80 die in fires at a rate three times higher than
the rest of the population. However, there are a
number of precautionary steps older Americans can
take to dramatically reduce their chances of
becoming a fire casualty.
Understanding
the Risks
Why Are Older
People at Risk?
Older
Americans 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?
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Cooking
accidents are the leading cause of fire
related injuries for older Americans. The
kitchen is one of the most active and
potentially dangerous rooms in the home.
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The unsafe use
of smoking materials is the leading cause of
fire deaths among older Americans.
-
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.
-
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.
Safety Tips for
Older Americans
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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 the pan. Never
throw water on a grease fire. Never use a
range or stove to heat your home.
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Space
Heaters. Buy only Underwriter's
Laboratory (UL) approved heaters. Use only
the manufacturer's recommended fuel for each
heater. 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 away from heat
sources.
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Smoking.
Don't leave smoking materials unattended.
Use "safety ashtrays" with wide
lips. Empty all ashtrays into the toilet or
a metal container every night before going
to bed. Never smoke in bed.
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