Home Fire Safety for Family and Friends of Older Adults
When it comes to fire, adults over age 65 are at greater risk than any other group. Most fire deaths occur in the home and it is important for older adults to know how to protect themselves. If you have a relative, friend or neighbor in this high-risk group, please take a few minutes to complete this fire safety check of their home.
Conduct the following safety checks:
- Check that the smoke alarms have been tested. If not, test the smoke alarm by pressing the alarm test button. If it is difficult to reach, use a broom handle or ruler to test it.
- Check that the batteries have been changed within the past year. Batteries should be replaced each year. It is a good idea to mark the date on the batteries so that anyone will know when they were last replaced. Families are encouraged to change the batteries in the fall during "Change your Clock, Change Your Batteries" programs.
- A chirping sound indicates a low battery, but this sound can be difficult for an older person to hear or recognize.
- Check for scorch marks on pots and pans. If you find scorch marks, discuss with the older person. He/she may be leaving cooking unattended.
- Check that clothing, bedding, furniture and floors are free of cigarette burns.If you find cigarette burns, discuss the situation with your older friend or relative.
Fire Safety
Take a few minutes to learn about safety in the home and get family members involved! With a little planning, many injuries and deaths from fires and unintentional injuries could be prevented. We put safety where you put your family - FIRST. Please don't hesitate to call the Montgomery County Fire and Rescue Service if you need help with any aspect of your home safety.-
Demonstrate how to crawl low and go.
Do you know the sound of the fire alarm and what to do if the alarm sounds? Find out correct procedures from building management.
Most kitchen fires start because cooking food has been left unattended. Never leave items cooking unattended on the stovetop. It's best to turn off the stove before leaving the kitchen and to closely monitor things cooking in the oven. Use a timer or take an item such as a potholder as a reminder if there is something cooking in the oven.
Keep a proper fitting lid nearby and safely slide it over the burning pot.
- If a grease fire starts:
- Using a potholder, place a lid over the burning pan.
- Turn off the heat source.
- Leave the lid on the pan until it is completely cool.
- Never use water on a grease fire.
- Don't try to carry a pan that is on fire to the sink or outdoors. Smother the fire with a lid and leave the pan where it is.
Keep anything that can easily catch fire away from the stove.
Dangling sleeves can easily brush against a hot burner and quickly catch fire.
Use the front burners as much as possible.
Space heaters can quickly warm up a cold room, but they have also been the cause of many serious home fires. Remind your friend or relative that portable heaters should be at least three feet from all combustible materials, including paper, bedding, furniture and curtains. Never use your heater to dry clothing or shoes and make sure that all heaters are turned off before leaving your home or going to bed.
Smokers should use large, deep ashtrays and never smoke when drowsy or in bed.
Soak cigarette butts and cigar ashes in water before discarding or in a non-combustible can. Ashes from a cigarette can smolder for hours before a flare-up occurs.
Drinking alcohol while smoking is a deadly combination and account for many fire deaths.
- If a grease fire starts: