Fire Prevention Week is in October. Unfortunately, fire fatality rates for senior adults are more than twice the national average. Here are useful tips on home fire safety.

Smoke detectors cut the risk of home fire fatalities in half. Have a smoke detector on each floor of your home and near each bedroom. Attach smoke detectors to the ceiling, if possible, and away from the room’s corners. Smoke detectors in hallways should be located away from cold air return vents.

Check the batteries in your smoke detectors regularly and change them when the calendar changes, or change them twice a year when the time changes. Be alert for that “chirping” sound which means your batteries need to be replaced.

Carbon monoxide detectors are needed in homes with gas heat, a gas water heater, or gas stove; if you use gas space heaters; and if your home has an attached garage. Carbon monoxide is a colorless and odorless gas. It is often referred to as the “silent killer” because it is virtually undetectable without using a detector. Carbon monoxide detectors are designed to sound an alarm before dangerous levels accumulate.

Keep all space heaters in good working condition and place them at least three feet from anything that burns. Never use electric space heaters in the bathroom or touch them when you’re wet. Don’t overload circuits with too many extension cords.

While cooking, wear clothing with short-sleeves, if wearing long sleeves use rubber bands to secure them. Don’t reach over burners. Place pans where you can easily reach them. Use a timer to remind you when something is finished or needs attention. If someone comes to your door or calls you on the telephone while you are cooking, turn off the burners.

If your clothing catches on fire, STOP, DROP, and ROLL to extinguish it.

If you smoke, use large ashtrays with a center support to hold cigarettes. Never smoke in bed, when sleepy, or when drowsy from medication. Empty ashtrays into a metal container or douse them first with water.

Have an escape plan that has two ways out of every room of your home. Practice your escape plan whenever your grandchildren visit so they’ll know how to get out of your home in case of an emergency.

Three of the leading causes of home fire deaths for older people are smoking accidents, faulty or misused heating equipment, and cooking accidents. Many of these causes can be prevented.

Keep your eye glasses, a telephone, and walking aids by your bed.

If your home catches on fire, don’t open a door that’s hot to the touch. Use an alternate exit.

If there’s smoke, crawl low to the floor where it’s easier to breathe.

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