Safety Lasts a Lifetime

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In Massachusetts, people over 65 are most at risk of dying in fires, in fact they are nearly three times as likely to die in a fire:

  • Electrical fires were the leading cause of of senior fire deaths causing 40% of fire deaths to older adults.
  • Cooking was the leading cause of fire injury to seniors. Nearly 40%  of all fire injuries to older adults were from cooking fires.
  • Half of seniors who died in 2011 fires did not have working smoke detectors

Important Safety Tips

  • Wear short or tight fitting sleeves when cooking.
  • Stand by your pan! Never leave cooking unattended.
  • Put a lid on stovetop fires.
  • Plan your escape around your abilities.
  • Do not leave smoking materials unattended.
  • Never smoke in bed, if you feel drowsy while watching television or reading, extinguish your cigarette or cigar before nodding off.
  • Never smoke around oxygen
  • If you smoke, smoke outside.

 

Home Oxygen Fires 
 
  • Oxygen helps fire spread fast.
  • Never smoke or light a match while using oxygen.

 

People on Home Oxygen Therapy Need to Plan and Practice Home Fire Escape Drills

 
  • Make sure that your home is equipped with working smoke detectors.
  • Plan two escape routes from each room.
  • Practice the escape plan at least twice a year

 

The NFPA Remembering When program emphasizes 16 key fall prevention and fire safety messages using three different approaches: group presentations, a program for home visitors, and smoke alarm installation programs. Fire safety educators have the expertise and senior center and council on aging directors already work closely with the selected audience. Together you will make a great life safety team. Most Fire Departments should have a free copy: