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Spotlight on Fire Safety: Older Adults and Preparedness for Fire
 
Adults age 65 and older are at a higher risk of death from fire than any other age group. According to the USFA report Fire in the United States Fifteenth Edition, older adults account for approximately 32 percent of all fire deaths. Fire prevention and planning are key elements in reducing the risk of deaths and injuries from fire. In the event of a fire, remember that every second counts, so you and your family must always be prepared.
 
Escape plans help you get out of your home quickly. In less than 30 seconds, a small flame can get completely out of control and turn into a major fire. It only takes minutes for a house to fill with thick black smoke and become engulfed in flames. Developing and practicing a fire escape plan and installing and maintaining smoke alarms are ways in which you can prepare for the possibility of a fire occurring in your home. Being prepared in the event a fire occurs may increase your chances of survival.
 
Why are Older Adults at Risk?

 

If you are an older adult, you are at a higher risk for death and injury from fire for a number of reasons:

  • You may be physically less able to take quick action in a fire emergency.
  • If you are on medication, it may affect your ability to make quick decisions.
  • If you live alone, others may not be around to help should an accident occur.

What Fire Hazards Affect Older Adults?

  • Cooking is the leading cause of fire-related injuries for older adults.  The kitchen is one of the most active and potentially dangerous rooms in the home.

 

  • The unsafe use of smoking materials is the leading cause of fire deaths among older adults.

 

  • Heating equipment is responsible for a big share of fires in older adults’ homes.  Extra caution should be used with alternative 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 problems, ranging from old appliances with bad wiring to overloaded sockets.

 

What Can You Do To Protect You and Your Family

 

Contact Satellite Beach Fire Department for a free home fire safety survey. Contact Paula Brandt at

321-773-4405 to schedule your survey today.