Fire Safety for Senior Citizens

With the rise in popularity and development of senior living centers, fire safety keeps on being a concern to keep our grandparents, parents, and aging friends and family protected. According to a study, older grown-ups represented to 15 percent of the U.S. populace and suffered 40 percent of all flame related deaths. They are additionally 2.7 times more serious danger of dying in a fire than the total population. Those 85 and older were 3.8 times bound to die in a fire than the total population. 

The elderly in the multi-level dwelling are at higher danger of dying in a flame for a few reasons. They might be taking medications that weakens them from taking the stairs down to safety, or their portability issues may prevent them from moving quickly enough. They may live alone or have nobody to call for help. Educating property managers, caretakers, and the elderly on fire safety for senior citizens is one step we can take in securing this aging generation. The following are a few considerations for property managers and their tenants.

1) Test Smoke Alarms 

Smoke is a silent killer. Senior citizens with hearing issues who sleep without a hearing aid could be killed in their sleep. Having a working smoke alarm in each room and corridor helps, yet they ought to be effective for the user. Strobe alarms are ideal, and seniors can install an alarm that shakes their bed to awaken them in case of a fire. However, make a point to test smoke alarms each month, so they are dependable in compliance. 

2) Sit Your Butt Down… in the Best Possible Place! 

Smoking is the main source of fire deaths in the country. Remind senior citizens never to smoke in bed and particularly not close to flammable oxygen tanks. Seniors can utilize deeper or heavier ashtrays to avoid ashes flipping or falling onto the floor covering and starting a fire. The most ideal approach to put butts out is with sand and water. 

3) Create a Fire Escape Plan 

Seniors may have under three minutes to escape danger in case of a fire. They should have an emergency exit plan and practice it, knowing all the open ways out. For seniors experiencing dementia or Alzheimer's who have escape proof entryways, it is significant they have a prearranged escort in case of a fire.

4) Remain in the Kitchen 

Seniors should dependably remain in the kitchen when cooking. Most kitchen fires start since food is left unattended, so on the off chance that they leave the kitchen while cooking they should turn the burner off. Indeed, even a short absence from the kitchen can unexpectedly turn of the all-encompassing amount of time away. On the off chance that seniors must leave the kitchen, they should take a cooking utensil or potholder with them to serve a helpful reminder. Additionally, remind seniors to never cook with free or dangling sleeves that can without much of a stretch ignite and burn a senior, or potentially begin a major fire. 

5) Daily Necessities 

Seniors should consider what they use to get around consistently, similar to glasses, a wheelchair, a stick, etc. These things ought to be put alongside the bed for simple access if there should be an occurrence of fire. A telephone and a whistle should likewise be at the bedside. The whistle tells people to know where you are and warn you to be cautious of the fire. Escape is dependably the need; call the fire department later. Whenever trapped, utilize the telephone to call for help. Seniors with wheelchairs or walkers should check exit routes early to make sure they are accessible or plan a backup way to go. Inform building managers or neighbors regarding the plan. On the off chance that your impairment makes it difficult to escape in case of a fire, discuss your worry with the landowner, or check with the fire department.

6) Try Not to Overload Outlets or Extension Cords 

Inspect your extension cords consistently for fraying, exposed wire, or loose plugs. Unplug extension cords when not being used. 

As their populace develops, fire safety for senior citizens can't be stressed enough. Property managers, caretakers, the older, and their families should all know about the increased hazard to the age group and try to secure them. The experts at Total Fire and Safety are ready to help ensure your building has fire gear that is working properly. We provide the life safety features that keep fire safety for your residents, including senior citizens, a principle need.