Focus on Fire Safety:
Older Adults and Preparedness for Fire

Fire Prevention and Home Fire Safety for Seniors

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. The growth in the number and proportion of older adults is unprecedented in the history of the United States. Two factors — longer life spans and aging baby boomers — will combine to double the population of Americans aged 65 and older to 71 million (20% of the population) by 2030 (source: CDC), making fire prevention and education even more important for this at risk group.

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. Wear short or tight-fitting sleeves when cooking.
• 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?

Install and Maintain Smoke Alarms

• Make sure alarms are installed on each level of your home and outside all sleeping areas.
• Test your smoke alarms monthly and replace the batteries at least once a year.
• Caregivers are encouraged to check smoke alarms of those who are unable to do it themselves.  The chances of surviving a home fire almost double with the initial warning from a smoke alarm.

Plan Your Escape

• Know at least two ways out from every room.
• If you use a walker or wheelchair, check all exits to be sure they can go through the door.
• Make any necessary accommodations, such as providing exit ramps and widening doorways to facilitate an emergency escape.
• Unless instructed by the fire department, never use an elevator during a fire.
• If you have any special needs, contact your local fire department.

Don’t Isolate Yourself

• Speak to your family members, building manager, or neighbors about your fire safety plan and practice it with them. 
• Contact your local fire department’s non-emergency number and explain your special needs.  The fire department will probably suggest escape plan ideas and may perform a home fire safety inspection, offering suggestions about smoke alarm placement and maintenance.
• Ask emergency providers to keep your specials needs information on file.
• Live Near an Exit. Although you have the legal right to live where you choose, you’ll be safest on the ground floor if you live in an apartment building.  If you live in a multi-story home, arrange to sleep on the ground floor and near an exit.

Be Fire-Safe Around the Home

• If you smoke, never smoke in bed or near an oxygen source, gas stove, or other flammable objects.
• When cooking, never approach an open flame while wearing loose clothing and don’t leave cooking unattended.  Use a timer to remind you of food in the oven.
• Don’t overload electrical outlets or extension cords.
• Never use the oven to heat your home.  Properly maintain chimneys and space heaters.
• Take special precaution if you are on medication that makes you drowsy.