Safety and Fire Prevention - Older Adults Safety

No one is safe from fire. But some groups of people are more at risk than others. Older adults make up one of those groups. Oshawa Fire Services is committed towards reducing the number of fires which occur as well as injuries, death and dollar loss associated with fire.

When it comes to fire, adults over age 65 are at greater risk thank any other group. At age 65, a person is twice as likely to be killed or injured by fires compared to the rest of the population. By age 75, the risk increases to three times greater than the general population and four times at age 85. As most fire deaths occur in the home, it is important that older adults know how to protect themselves.

With a few simple steps, older adults can dramatically reduce their risk of death and injury from fire.

Smoke safely

Sitting in your favorite chair and having a cigarette after dinners may seem to some like a great way to relax – but cigarettes and relaxing can be a deadly mix. Falling asleep while smoking can ignite clothing, rugs and other materials used in upholstered furniture. Using alcohol and medications that make you sleepy compound this problem.

Careless smoking is the leading cause of fire deaths and the second leading cause of injuries among people age 65 and older. Cigarettes when not properly extinguished continue to burn. When a resting cigarette is accidentally knocked over, it can smolder for hours before a flare-up occurs. Before you light your next cigarette remember:

Never smoke in bed.
Put your cigarette or cigar out at the first sign of feeling drowsy while watching television or reading.
Use deep ashtrays and put your cigarettes all the way out.
Don’t walk away from lit cigarettes and other smoking materials.
If you have children around the house keep matches and lighters out of reach and preferably locked up safely.

Cook safely

Many families gather in the kitchen to spend time together, but it can be one of the most hazardous rooms in the house if you don’t practice safe cooking behaviours. Cooking is the third leading cause of fire deaths and the leading cause of injury among people age 65 and older.

It’s a recipe fro serious injury or even death to wear loose clothing (especially hanging sleeves), walk away from a cooking pot on the stove, or leave flammable materials, such a potholders or paper towels, around the stove. Whether you are cooking the family dinner or a snack for the grandchildren:

Never leave cooking unattended. A serious fire can start in just seconds.
Always wear short or tight fitting sleeves when you cook. Keep towel, pot holders and curtains away from flames.
Never use the range or oven to heat you home.
Double-check the kitchen before you go to bed or leave the house.

If your clothes catch fire – STOP, DROP AND ROLL!

If your clothes catch fire, don’t run! Stop where you are, lower yourself to the ground, cover your face with your hands and roll over and over until flames are smothered.

Heat your home safely

During winter months there are more home fires than any other time of year. Heating devices like space heaters and wood stoves make homes comfortable, but should be sued with extra caution. Heating is the second leading cause of fire death and the third leading cause of injury to people ages 65 and older.

Many of these deaths and injuries could be prevented with safe heating practices. So before you grab a good book and cozy up to the fireplace, make sure you do the following:

Keep fire in the fireplace by making sure you have a screen large enough to catch flying sparks and rolling logs.
Space heaters need space. Keep flammable materials at least one metre or three feet away from heaters.
When buying a space heater, look for a control feature that automatically shuts off the power if the heater falls over.

Get out of your home safely

Smoke alarms
Install a smoke alarm on every level of your home and ensure that you can hear them. Visual alarms are available for the hearing impaired, contact Oshawa Fire Services for more information.
Home Fire escape plan
Develop and plan a fire escape plan regularly, at least twice a year. Know exactly what to do and where to go if there is a fire and keep exits clear of debris.
Crawl low under smoke
Most fire victims die from smoke not flames. If you are caught in smoke, stay close to the floor. Get down on your hands and knees and crawl to the nearest safe exit.

If you are trapped

Close, but don’t lock any doors to ensure possible entry by firefighters.
Seal all cracks around doors and vents where smoke can enter, by using wet towels or sheets.
Partially open a window if you can. Close the window if smoke comes in.
Keep low to the floor. Heat and toxic gases rise.
Signal firefighters by waving a white sheet or towel.
Call 9-1-1 to tell them where you are. Wait to be rescued.
Remain calm. Don’t panic.
Listen for instructions on how to vacate your home.

In case of fire or an emergency, call 9-1-1.