1	Fire and Burn Safety for Older Adults
2	Fire and Burn Safety for Seniors
3	Fire and Burn Death and Injury Deaths 4,000 deaths a year from fire and burns Injuries 25,000 hospitalized in burn centers 600,000 burn injuries receive treatment
4	Risks to Older Adults for Fire/Burn Injury Physical and Mental Changes
5	Dangerous Attitudes About Fire “It won’t happen to me!” “I’ve been smoking all my life. Why should I stop now?” “My dog would wake me if there was a fire.” “We have the best fire station in town. They’d save me.”
6	Leading Causes of Fire and Burn Death and Injury for Older Adults Smoking Cooking Scalds Electrical Wiring Heating (Sources: National Fire Protection Association; Centers for Disease Control)
7	Smoking Hazards - Average age of cigarette fire death: 55+ Careless discarding in beds, chairs, trash Increases with alcohol, prescription drugs Visitors, caretakers, neighbors also at risk Don’t Allow Smoking in Your Home
8	Smoking and Oxygen Therapy Do not support the smoking habit of those who depend on portable oxygen tanks Smokers who depend on oxygen should leave smoking materials at home when out in public
9	Keep Safe in the Kitchen Keep safe from Fires Scald injury Contact burns Falls
10	Clothing for Cooking: Protect the Hands and Body Wear short sleeves or close-fitting clothes Wear apron Use heavy duty potholders to move hot pots and dishes Use oven mitts
11	Keep the Stove Top Safe Keep flammables away from cooking elements When children are present -Create a “kid-free zone” for three feet around stove -Cook with rear burners
12	Keep Countertops Safe Don’t clutter countertops Read and observe appliance directions Keep crockpots and deep fryers away from counter edge Keep appliance cords short or coiled Avoid using extension cords
13	“Stand By Your Pan!” Stay in the kitchen to fry, grill, broil or boil Stay in the home while baking or roasting Use timer as reminder to check periodically In case of a grease fire smother with matching pan lid, not by using a fire extinguisher In case of an oven fire, turn off oven, close door and wait until oven has cooled down
14	Use Microwave Oven Safety Locate microwave ovens on countertop, not mounted above stove Use only microwave-safe cookware Allow food to cool before opening oven Mix foods before serving
15	Kitchen Floor Safety Choose floor surface with safety in mind Use non-slip floor mats near food preparation areas Wipe up spills immediately Be sure path is clear when carrying or serving food (pets, children, toys, etc.)
16	How to Measure Hot Water Temperature Run hot water until it feels hot (can take a minute or two) Test temperature with cooking thermometer
17	Establishing a Safe Hot Water Temperature If initial test temperature is above 120°F (48°C), lower heater thermostat setting Initial result below 120F°/48°C may be at low end of range Retest over 1-2 days until water temperature remains at or below 120°F/48°C
18	Set Water Heater Thermostat At Safe Level 120°F/48°C is a maximum level, not a target 110ºF/43ºC maximum for seniors recommended Comfortable temperature for senior bathing: 100°F/38°C Lower setting = lower cost
19	Tap Water Scald Prevention Devices Direct (Scald Prevention) Tempering valve must be installed by plumber on water line Anti-scald shower head can usually be installed by consumer on shower head or faucet
20	Tap Water Scald Prevention Devices Indirect (Fall Prevention) Grab bars Shower chair Non-slip floor mats
21	Electric Wiring Danger Signs Cracked, or frayed appliance or extension cords Cords that get hot to the touch Loose or broken appliance or cord plugs Warm switch plates or outlet covers Frequent tripped circuits/blown fuses
22	Electrical Wiring Safety Never overload outlets or extension cords Have electrician inspect and rewire or replace: -loose appliance plugs -frayed or cracked cords -warm wall switches -overloaded circuits - cracked cords Periodic home inspection by electrician
23	Sleeping Area Electrical Safety Rules Check electric blankets and pads periodically for charred spots or cracks in wiring Use heating pad only 15-20 minutes at a time If heating pad lacks automatic off switch, use timer to limit exposure Do not lie, sit on or place heavy objects on pad or blanket
24	Sleeping Area Safety Provisions Clear route for exit, rescuer entry Place next to bed for quick access to personal items (eyeglasses, telephone, flashlight, hearing aid, alarm bell) Working smoke alarm in the room Sleeping area on first floor if possible
25	Candle Safety Use heavy, sturdy, heat-resistant candleholders, big enough to collect wax Keep candles away from window coverings, other flammables, children Keep wick cut to ¼ inch Extinguish before leaving a room or going to sleep
26	Portable Heater Safety Keep portable heaters clean Keep 3 feet away from combustibles Refuel kerosene heaters outside Use only special kerosene fuel cans
27	Household Heating Safety Keep flammables away from the house heater, outside the residence Keep combustibles 3 feet away from heat source Do not use aerosol cleaning products nearby Service home heating systems annually
28	Aerosol and Other Cleaning Product Safety Protect hands with heavy rubber gloves Store in original containers Do not combine cleaning products Keep in locked cabinet out of reach of children
29	Prepare Against Fire and Carbon Monoxide Install, maintain smoke alarms on all levels of a residence outside each sleeping area in bedrooms if sleeping with door closed Install carbon monoxide detector Test alarms on schedule Display home address outside
30	Prepare to Respond Promptly in Case of Fire Develop escape plan with provisions for older adult household members Practice escape plan Keep all exits clear
31	In Case of Fire STAY CALM Stay low under smoke Do not use an elevator! Call 9-1-1 from outside the home if possible If trapped, signal fire rescue workers
32	Key Guidelines for Older Adult Fire/Burn Safety Smoking: Don’t smoke when drowsy Cooking: Wear safest clothing Scalds: Set water heater thermostat to keep temperature from exceeding 120°F/38C° Home heating: Keep flammable liquids outside the household Electricity: Repair or replace damaged wires, switches, plugs, appliances