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About 80 Percent of all Fire Deaths Occur in the Home
People over the ages of 65 are at highest risk of dying in a fire. People age 65-75 are twice as likely as the general
population; 75-85 are three times as likely; and 85+ are more than four times as likely to be killed in a house fire.
Fire Life-Saving Tips
• Install a smoke alarm on every level of your home.
• Test smoke alarm batteries every month and change them at least once a year.
• Consider installing a 10-year lithium battery powered smoke alarm, which is sealed so it cannot be tampered with
or opened.
• Develop and practice a home fire escape plan.
Go Room to Room
Kitchens
are a high danger zone for fire, so be extra cautious when cooking.
• Don’t leave stoves unattended while cooking and avoid loose clothing when
cooking.
• Never use the range or oven to heat the home.
• Double-check the kitchen to be sure the oven and all small
appliances are turned off before going to bed or leaving the house.
• Don’t overload electrical outlets.
• Always keep dish towels away from all appliances and
electrical outlets.
Bedrooms
are a common area of fire origin. Each
year, fires claim the lives of 4,000 people and injure
approximately 20,000 people. Nearly 600 lives are lost to
fires that start in bedrooms. Many of these fires are caused
by misuse or poor maintenance of electrical devices, such
as overloading extension cords or using portable space heaters too close to combustibles. Many other
bedroom fires are caused by children who play with matches and lighters, careless smoking among adults
and arson.
The United States Fire Administration (USFA) and the Sleep Products Safety Council (SPSC) would like you
to know that there are simple steps you can take to prevent the loss of life and property resulting from
bedroom fires.
Most electrical fires start in the bedroom. During winter months, fires are a special concern since people
spend more time indoors and increase their use of lights, heat and appliances. Do not trap electrical cords
against walls where heat can build up. Take extra care when using portable heaters. Keep bedding, clothes,
curtains and other combustible items at least three feet away from space heaters. Only use lab-approved
electric blankets and warmers. Check to make sure the cords are not frayed. Never smoke in bed. Replace
mattresses made before the 1973 Federal Mattress Flammability Standard. Mattresses made since then
must meet safety standards.
Working smoke alarms
dramatically increases your chances of surviving a fire. Place at least one smoke
alarm on each level of your home and in hallways outside bedrooms. Additionally remember to practice a
home escape plan frequently with your family or a neighbor.
Older Adults Are At Risk
Decreased mobility, health, sight and
hearing may limit a person’s ability to
take the quick action necessary to escape
during a fire emergency.
Depending on physical limitations, many
protective actions may require help from a
caregiver, neighbor, or outside source.
Free In-Home Assessment from
Visiting Angels
Your local Visiting Angels agency can
provide you with peace of mind and perform
a free in-home safety assessment at your
convenience. The safety and security of
seniors is our first concern at Visiting Angels,
so call today.