Older adults are at particular risk from house fires.
National Fire Prevention Week officially marks 100 years this October 5th to 11th. The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) inaugurated National Fire Prevention Week in 1922, and President Calvin Coolidge named it a national week in 1925, making it the longest-running public health observance in the United States. The week takes place each year in October because the Great Chicago Fire devastated that city in early October 1871, killing over 250 people and leaving 100,000 homeless.
In a new era of climate-change-fueled wildfires, fire prevention is top of mind for many, especially those in Western states. Home fires are still an everyday concern, too, with over 3,500 Americans dying in a house fire each year. A structure fire is reported every 95 seconds in the U.S. Unfortunately, older adults are particularly at risk of injury and death from house fires.
In fact, according to FEMA, people over 65 are at twice the risk of dying in a house fire as compared to younger adults. The reason, at least in part, has to do with mobility and sensory awareness. Most fatal fires happen when people are sleeping, and people with hearing loss are at greater risk of failing to wake in time to exit the building. Older adults who use a wheelchair or walker, or who have balance issues, are also at greater risk in a fire, as are people with cognitive decline or dementia. Cooking fires are the number one cause of house fires, and cigarettes are the leading cause of deadly fires among people over 65. Forgetting to turn off the stove or fully snuff out a cigarette is all too easy for someone experiencing cognitive decline. Plus, all these age-related conditions may reduce reaction time in a critical fire situation.
In a horrific tragedy at a Massachusetts assisted living center in July, nine residents died when a suspected electrical fire broke out. The center is being investigated, and the event serves as a painful reminder of the necessity of robust fire safety planning in places where older adults live.
Fire Safety Tips for People Aging in Place
Thankfully, there are plenty of resources available to assist those aging in place to create a home environment where fires are less likely to occur. And, if a fire does break out, working alarms and a plan will help seniors stay safe.
- Sleep on the ground floor. If possible, older adults should sleep on the floor of the home where they can exit without navigating stairs. Try to remove any hazards or barriers that would prevent an easy and quick exit in the case of a fire. Keep the floor clear of items that could cause a person to trip (best practice for fall prevention in general!), and consider removing any interior locks that take time or are tricky to unlock. Security bars on doors and windows should have emergency release mechanisms on the inside to allow for egress in the event of a fire.
- Be battery-smart. The theme for this year’s National Fire Prevention Week is “Charge into Fire Safety™: Lithium-Ion Batteries in Your Home.” Lithium-ion batteries are omnipresent these days, in our smartphones, headphones, e-cigarettes, laptops, power tools, and more. But if used improperly or purchased from shady sellers, these batteries are liable to catch fire. To avoid fires and explosions, charge devices on flat, hard surfaces; purchase batteries and chargers only from reputable sellers; and dispose of used batteries properly. See the NFPA website for more tips.
- Develop fire-safe habits. Remember that the top causes of house fires are cooking and smoking. Stay in the kitchen while cooking food; it’s too easy to step out for just a second and get distracted. If you smoke, smoke outdoors only. When finished, wet cigarette butts or deposit them in sand. Don’t leave space heaters unattended, and make sure they have a 3-foot buffer from other objects.
- If you can’t hear your smoke alarm, install a bed shaker and/or a visual alarm. The U.S. Fire Administration and others recommend installing a smoke alarm that uses a flashing light or vibration to alert residents of smoke. Some people with hearing loss may be able to use a device that produces low-frequency vibrations as an alert mechanism.
- It’s good to have a plan. Especially for older adults living alone, spending some time to plan ahead with family could make all the difference in the moment of a house fire. Talking it out can help everyone to envision the scenario and what could help in the moment: for example, does the homeowner keep their walker or cane near their bed at night? Is there a clear path to a window, if fire blocks the door?
NFPA provides free resource guides on smoke alarms, fire planning, and more. They also offer a program called Steps to Safety™: Prevent Fire and Falls at Home that pairs local EMS and fire fighters with community groups to provide fire safety education to older adults. October is a great time to share these potentially life-saving resources with clients and families.
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