Fire Safety for Senior Care in Springfield Missouri - Visiting Angels
Close to 80% of deaths due to fire occur inside the home, and seniors are at the biggest risk of dying in a house fire. In fact, they can be up to 4 times more likely to die in a house fire compared to the general population. Often, this is because they cannot quickly get out of their home. Unlike home health care agencies in Springfield Missouri that are focused on medical care, the companion care provided by Visiting Angels can help your family create a plan for your loved one in case of an emergency.
Get Help to Ensure Your Loved One’s Safety
It’s important to create a safety plan and speak with your family member, their building manager, and their neighbors about the safety plan. If your loved one has any special needs, be sure to contact your local fire department to let them know. They may perform a home fire safety inspection and provide additional tips to help keep your loved one safe. They can keep your loved one’s special needs information on file.
It may be better for your loved one to live in an apartment on the ground floor or the ground floor of their home for easier escape if necessary. If they use a walker or wheelchair, make sure they can get through all of the exits to the home. Add exit ramps or widen doorways in case an emergency occurs and make sure they can get outside without using an elevator. If your loved one has a home health aide or caregiver in Springfield Missouri, make sure they know how to help your loved one get outside quickly.
Life-Saving Tips for Fires
There should be a smoke alarm on every level of the home and the smoke alarm batteries should be tested every month. Develop a home fire escape plan to ensure everyone knows what to do if there is an emergency and practice it. Go room to room when looking for potential issues to fix them before a fire begins.
Kitchens are often the highest risk for a fire, so do not leave stoves unattended while cooking and avoid loose clothing. Do not use the range or oven for heat and make sure all appliances are turned off before leaving or going to sleep. Keep towels and other flammable items away from appliances and electrical outlets.
Bedrooms are another common place for fires to begin. Possible causes include poor maintenance of electrical devices, portable space heaters, or careless smoking. Fires are especially a concern during the winter months. Make sure electrical cords are not against walls and be careful when using any portable heaters. Bedding, curtains, clothes, and anything else that’s combustible should be at least 3 feet from the space heaters.
Risks for Older Adults
Older adults have a higher risk of injuries and death in a fire due to decreased mobility, sight, and hearing. The senior care in Springfield Missouri provided by Visiting Angels is different from home health agencies. Our primary concern is the safety and security of the seniors we work with and we can perform a free in-home safety assessment. Contact us today to learn more about keeping your loved one safe from fires and related issues.