FIRE SAFETY FOR SENIOR CITIZENS

 Commons Electrical Hazards in the Home

 * Unsafe electrical outlets

* Extension cords under the rug

* Frayed or worn electrical cords

 HELPFUL HINTS

 * Do not overload outlets.  Limit the number of electrical appliances used in each outlet

* Have a professional licensed electrician rewire your home and add more circuits

* Inspect cords on old lamps and appliances If the cords are frayed and cracked, have them               rewired or replace the appliance immediately

 Careless Use of Smoking Materials

 * The leading cause of fire fatalities

* Disposing of cigarettes improperly

* Smoking while under the influence of alcohol or medication

 HELPFUL HINTS

 * NEVER SMOKE IN BED

* Don’t smoke when you are tired, drowsy, drinking or taking medication which makes you sleepy

* Dispose of smoking materials properly.  Be sure that proper ash trays are used.  Ash trays should be large, noncombustible and stable so that cigarettes cannot fall out if they are unattached

* Install smoke detectors in rooms frequently used by smokers 

Additional Heating Appliances

* Improper fuel for Kerosene heater

* Heating appliance too close to combustibles

* Refueling kerosene heater while it is still hot

* Storing kerosene fuel inside the home

* No screen in front of the fireplace. 

HELPFUL HINTS

 * Be sure to use clear kerosene as fuel

   NEVER USE GASOLINE FOR YOUR KEROSENE HEATER

* Keep portable heating appliances at least (3) feet away from drapes, furniture, clothing, blankets, etc.

* Store kerosene outside you home

*Never refuel your kerosene heater inside your home or while it is hot

* Be sure that you provide adequate ventilation for the heating device 

Burn Hazards 

* Reaching for things above the stove and clothes catching fire

* Reaching over burners that are in use

* Leaning against stove 

HELPFUL HINTS

 * Don’t wear loose or frilly clothes while cooking

* Rearrange cupboards for safety

* Keep pot handles turned inward

* If your clothes catch fire, learn to STOP, DROP AND ROLL           

* Cool burns with cool water

* Get medical attention immediately

*Avoid reaching above the stove while cooking.

Retrieve the items that area needed prior to cooking 

FIRE FACTS

 Most fatal fires take place between midnight and 8 AM, while most people are asleep. 79% of all multiple death fires occur between midnight and 8 AM.

Over 4,000 people die each year in fires.  78% occur in the home.  Most of these deaths are caused by smoke-not flames.

FIRE PREVENTION MEASURES

 * Be sure to install smoke detectors throughout the home, provide at least one smoke detector per level.

* Change your smoke detector batteries twice a year.

* Test your smoke detectors weekly.

* Inspect your home for fire hazards.

* Develop a fire exit plan and practice it.

* To call for police, fire or emergency services, DIAL 9-1-1

 WHAT TO DO IN THE EVENT OF A FIRE

 * When a smoke detector sounds, roll out of bed and stay low to the floor.

* Feel the door, if it is hot do not open it.  Stay in the room and notify the fire department.  Stay on the phone and tell the dispatcher that you are trapped.  Use blankets or duct tape around the door to keep smoke from coming in.  Stay by the window and wait for the fire department to arrive.

* If the door is cool, open it slowly and proceed to the nearest exit.

* If you encounter smoke, stay low and crawl out of the house.

* Call the fire department from a neighbors house.

* Many fire injuries and deaths are caused by people attempting to extinguish a fire, if you need additional time to escape a fire because of physical disabilities, get out immediately and call the fire department.  Never go back into a burning home.