24/7 Emergency Service
Fire Prevention for the Older Adult
6/10/2021 (Permalink)
Fire Safety Tips for Seniors
At age 65, older adults are twice as likely to be killed or injured by fire compared to the population at large. By age 75, that risk increases to three times that of the general population and to four times by age 85.
Fire and burns are not the only hazards that threaten our older citizens. Statistics from the CDC show that falls are the leading cause of death from unintentional injury in the home. Thirty percent of people age 65 and older are involved in falls each year - some of those falls are fatal, while others permanently disable victims, often causing loss of mobility or independence.
Key steps to reduce risks of injury from fire.
•If you smoke, smoke outside.
•Give space heaters space.
•Stay in the kitchen when frying food.
•If your clothes catch on fire: stop, drop, and roll.
•Smoke alarms save lives.
•Plan and practice your escape from fire and smoke.
•Know your local emergency numbers.
•Plan your escape around your abilities. Being prepared will safe your life. Check in with your Local Senior Center they will have more information on how to stay safe, and SERVPRO will be here to assist if the need is there with any Fire or Water loss.