Home Fire Safety: What Seniors Need To Know

Americans over the age of 65 are at the greatest risk of dying in a fire. Seventy-five percent of the 1,300 seniors who perish each year in fires do not have a working smoke detectors in their homes.

If you are a senior, remember to do the following:

• Have a smoke detector installed in your home; make sure it's checked out at least monthly.
• Have a licensed electrician examine the wiring in your home; also, have the wiring on your appliances checked out.
• Keep space heaters away from combustible materials.
• Never cook in loose-fitting clothing that could catch fire over the stove.
• Avoid smoking inside the house; if you must smoke, do not smoke in bed, around upholstered furniture or near anything that may ignite easily.
• Keep your address and directions to your house next to your phone, in case you have to call to report an emergency.
• If fire breaks out, put a cloth or towel over your mouth and nose, and crawl low on the floor to the nearest exit.
• In case of a fire: get out of the house immediately; call for emergency assistance; and do not go back into the house for any reason.
• Talk to other seniors about starting a fire prevention education group; invite a fire official to a meeting.