Fire safety for seniors is a little different than it is for younger adults. Older individuals are not as mobile, and often not as alert either. According to the National Fire Protection Association, people over the age of 65 are twice as likely to be killed or injured in a fire.
Fire safety guidelines for older adults also focus on falls and how to prevent a fall that could stop a senior from getting out of their home safely during a fire.
Tips for Increasing Your Loved One’s Fire Safety
Whether your loved one lives with you or lives alone, there are some things you can do to help keep them safe, including:
- Moving their Room to the Main Level – If the home is a two-story or multi-level home, move your elderly loved one to a room that is on the main floor. This will give them time to get up and exit the house safely without the risk of falling down the stairs.
- Install and Check Smoke Detectors – Smoke detectors should be on every level of your home, especially near sleeping areas. Dust out and test the smoke detectors each month and change batteries once a year. Consider using smoke alarms with vibration and flashing lights for elderly individuals who cannot hear as well.
- Electrical Safety – Homes that are more than 40 years old are at risk for electrical fire, because their wiring does not have the capacity to handle today’s devices. Have the electrical systems inspected at least every 10 years and practice electrical safety by never overloading sockets.
- Cooking Safety – If your loved one is still cooking at home, make sure they are doing so safely. That includes keeping pot handles inward, cleaning up cooking surfaces and never wearing loose clothing near an open flame.
About GuardMe Security
GuardMe Security can help keep your loved one safe. Our state-of-the-art fire alarms reduce the threat of fire and create an all-points fire protection for the home. With smoke and heat detectors that constantly monitor the home, fires are caught quicker and your elderly loved ones are given an immediate alert so they can reach safety.
Call GuardMe Security experts today at (800) 235-0644 to learn more about our fire alarm systems.