Statistics show that people 65 and older are far more likely to die in home fires than the rest of the population. At age 75, the risk more than doubles.

Several factors contribute to the higher risk: As we age, our skin becomes thinner and more vulnerable to fire. Additionally, as we age, our reflexes slow down. And we are more likely to be on medication that causes drowsiness, further impeding reflex time.

Therefore, it is especially important that we seniors do everything possible to make our environment as safe as possible. While there is no 100 percent foolproof way of preventing a home fire, many things can be done to decrease the likelihood of a fire occurring as well as increasing the likelihood of your surviving should one occur.

The most important rule: Be sure your smoke detector is working.
Change the batteries twice a year: in the spring when you turn your clock forward, and in the fall, when you turn your clock back.

If your smoke detector is located too high for you to safely reach it, ask a family member to help you or call the fire department (NOT 911) and ask for assistance.

The below is a list of some great publications produced by the United States Fire Administration :

 

**Note - in order to view these publications you must have Adobe Acrobat Reader. If you do not have it you can get it here for free.

 

Fire and the Older Adult (PDF, 1.1 Mb)

Fire Safety Checklist for Older Adults (PDF, 1.4 Mb)

Emergency Procedures for Employees with Disabilities in Office Occupancies (PDF, 1.3 Mb)

Fire Risks for the Older Adult (PDF, 882 Kb)

Fire Risks for the Blind or Visually Impaired (PDF, 356 Kb)

Fire Risks for the Deaf or Hard of Hearing (PDF, 308 Kb)

Fire Risks for the Mobility Impaired (PDF, 376 Kb)

Older Adults and Fire (PDF, 128 Kb)

Residential Fires and Older Adult Casualties (PDF, 395 Kb)

The Fire Risk to Older Adults (PDF, 440 Kb)