Tuesday, May 31, 2011

Fire Safety Tips for Seniors Living at Home Alone

When it comes to senior living at home, one of the biggest issues is the fire safety. The danger of fire when it comes to elder people are always present. The statistics on senior home safety say that the death toll caused by fire accidents for people over 65 is double compared to other types of accidents. For the elder people over 75 the death toll caused by fire accidents is tripled then the national average in the United States. And because of that senior safety is an important issue that is analyzed by many. This is an issue both for elder people living independently, with family members or in a care facility. The best way to deal with this problem is to follow few simple tips on how to downsize the risk of fire safety. These steps include:

- Extra caution in the kitchen. The kitchen is a place where most of the fire accidents happen. The senior home safety would be much better if the elder works with more caution in the kitchen because they often tend to forget to shut down the stove or something on the stove. The food in the stove must be attended at any time and it is recommended that senior who cooks to have a wooden spoon with him as a reminder. Also, it is recommended at senior's home install cooking range monitor so there is no danger from catching fire. The senior safety would not be such a big issue if the fire accidents in the kitchen are decreased and don't happen if possible.

- The heating appliances. Senior people should always unplug all the heaters and electrical appliances when they are not using them. The curtains or the clothes that are hang to dry should be far enough from any heat source at any time. When talking about senior home safety it must be mentioned that senior people tend to forget portable heaters alone and leave or go to sleep. This is a big cause for many fire accidents in the households that led to destruction of property and death as well.

- Smoking habits. Smoking in bed is a bad idea for everyone not for seniors only. After using the ashtray, it is important to empty the ashtray in a metal container or if you forget to empty it than the ashtray should be placed on the sink or the counter during the night.

- Night time rules. So you could sleep better at night you must remember to check if the heaters and appliances are turned off, to keep your eyeglasses and robe close to your bed as well in a case of emergency.

- Have a plan. To have a plan means to be prepared for every eventuality. In order to increase the aging parents safety it is vital to install in their home a smoke alarm. Having a smoke alarm can prevent many fire accidents. Also, senior should have a plan of their escape route in a fire emergency. The plan should include at least two possible exits in case of fire emergency.


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