FIRE SAFETY FOR SENIOR CITIZENS
What two things do the young and the old have in common? Frequent burns and fires. Senior citizens represent part of the largest population segment involved in fire deaths and injuries annually. Due to age, some seniors experience losses in abilities to see, hear or respond quickly. But they still have their common sense and that, coupled with a knowledge of fire prevention, can help save lives. The Brunswick Fire Department advises seniors to exercise care around heat sources and follow these safety, rules:
Keep large, deep ashtrays handy for smokers. Smoking is a major cause of fire deaths, especially among the elderly.
Check smoking areas and furniture for hot cigarettes and ashes.
Do not empty ashtrays until the contents are cold. Try wetting them to make sure. -Never smoke in bed or while reclining on any upholstered furniture.
Keep robes, housecoats and other loose-fitting garments out of the kitchen while cooking. Clothing fires are the most frequent for seniors and many of them are due to careless smoking.
If your clothes do catch fire, don't run. Drop to the ground or floor and roll on the fire to put it out. Roll In a rug or coat to help smother the fire.
Don't keep items on the shelf or in the cabinet over the stove. Each time you reach for one, you take a risk of getting burned.
Arrange for good lighting, especially in the kitchen. Mark hard-to-read controls in bright colors or large letters ... ON/OFF.
Turn pot handles inward while cooking and keep potholders handy. Shield yourself from steam when uncovering food. (Scald injuries are common in seniors.)
If a grease fire starts, slide the lid or a bigger pan on the fire. DO NOT put water on a grease fire. It makes it bigger. DO NOT carry the pan. You might spill the burning grease on you. Call the fire department and get out immediately. Don't wait to collect valuables. They are not worth your life!
Don't let grease collect in your broiler, stove, oven or exhaust fan duct.
Keep portable heaters away from beds, furniture and drapes.
Have heating systems cleaned and checked yearly.
Clean out storage areas. Old papers, magazines and oily rags are fuel for a fire.
Choose a multi-purpose ABC fire extinguisher. Know when and how to use it.
Install smoke detectors and check them once a month. Change the batteries yearly.