Each year, approximately 1,100 Americans ages 65 and older die
as a result of a home fire. Compared to the rest of the U. S.
population:
• People between 65 and 74 are nearly TWICE as likely to
die in a fire;
• People between 75 and 84 are nearly FOUR times as likely to
die in a fire;
• People ages 85 and older are more than FIVE times as likely
to die in a fire.
With a few simple life and fire safety steps, older people can
dramatically reduce their risk of death and injury from fire
hazards. These facts, combined with the knowledge that adults ages
50 and older are entering and caring for this high risk group,
inspired the U. S. Fire Administration (USFA), a division of the
Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and part of the U.S.
Department of Homeland Security, to develop a national public life
and fire safety campaign for adults ages 50 and older, their
families and caregivers. USFA encourages you to:
Cook Safely
Many families gather in the kitchen to spend time together, but
it can be one of the most hazardous rooms in the house if you don't
practice safe cooking behaviors. Without proper precautions and
fire safety, cooking is the third leading cause of fire deaths and
the leading cause of injury among people ages 65 and older.
It's a recipe for fire,
serious injury or even death to wear loose clothing (especially
hanging sleeves), walk away from a cooking pot on the stove, or
leave flammable materials, such as potholders or paper towels,
around the stove. Whether you are cooking the family holiday dinner
or a snack for the grandchildren, use these fire safety tips:
• Never leave cooking unattended. A serious fire can start
in just seconds;
• Always wear short or tight-fitting sleeves when you cook.
Keep towels, pot holders and curtains away from flames;
• Never use the range or oven to heat your home;
• Double-check the kitchen before you go to bed or leave the
house.
Heat Your Home Safely
During winter months, December, January and February, there are
more home fires than any other time of year. Many of them could be
prevented with proper fire safety. Heating devices like space
heaters and wood stoves make homes comfortable, but should be used
with extra caution. Heating is the second leading cause of fire
death and the third leading cause of injury to people ages 65 and
older.
Many of these deaths and injuries could be prevented with safe
heating practices. So before you grab a good book and cozy up to
the fireplace, make sure you do the following:
• Keep fire in the fireplace by making sure you have a
screen large enough to catch flying sparks and rolling logs;
• Space heaters need space. Keep flammable materials at least
three feet away from heaters;
• When buying a space heater, look for a control feature that
automatically shuts off the power if the heater falls over.
The "Get Out Alive" Home Fire Safety Steps
• Smoke Alarms: Install a smoke alarm on every level of
your home, test batteries every month and change them at least once
a year;
• Home Fire Escape Plan: develop and practice a fire escape
plan regularly, at least twice a year. Keep exits clear of
debris;
• Home Fire Sprinklers: If at all possible, install
residential sprinklers in your home.
For more fire prevention information, contact:
Publications Office
United States Fire Administration
16825 South Seton Avenue
Emmitsburg, MD 21727
1-800-561-3356
www.usfa.fema.gov/50Plus
United States Fire Administration