The fire fatality rate for older people is more than twice the national average. For people over age 75, the number of deaths due to fire escalates to three times the national average, and it’s even higher for people who are over age 85.

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. Smoke detectors cut the risk of dying in a home fire in half. You can cut your risk even more by practicing fire safety and developing and practicing a home fire escape plan.

Here are some practical tips to make your home more “fire-proof” for you and your loved ones who visit.

1. Have a smoke detector on each level of your home and near each sleeping area. Place them on the ceiling, if possible, away from a corner of the room or hallway and away from air vents.
2. If you have gas heat, place a carbon-monoxide detector near it.
3. Check the detectors every month by pressing the test button. Use a broom handle or stick to reach the test button if it’s too high. Be alert for that chirping sound which means your batteries have low power.
4. Replace the batteries in your detectors twice each year. An easy way to remember is to change the batteries whenever the time changes in the Spring and Fall. If you have trouble replacing them, you can buy more expensive lithium batteries which can last up to ten years.
5. Use this link to view information on obtaining free smoke detectors.

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

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

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.

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 ash trays into a metal container or douse them first with water.

Keep space heaters in good working condition and place them at least three feet from anything that burns. Don’t use fuel-burning appliances if they aren’t vented to the outside. Never use electric space heaters in the bathroom or touch them when you’re wet. Don’t overload circuits or rely on extension cords.

While cooking, wear clothing with close-fitting sleeves or use rubber bands to secure dangling sleeves. Don’t reach over burners for needed items, place them 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.

Use pots and pans that are easy to lift. Turn off the burner before picking up a pot, and use a pot holder. Heat oil gradually so it won’t spatter, and always clean up spills. If there’s a flare up in the oven, close the oven door and turn it off. If a pan flares, carefully slide a lid over it and turn off the burner.

A free copy of the pamphlet “Keeping Your Home Safe from Fire” is available by contacting us. This pamphlet gives additional recommendations on how to make your home safe. For more information on services for senior adults, call your local senior center.

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