Fire Safety for Seniors

Older adults have an increased risk of dying in a fire. Help prevent older adult fire casualties with these safety tips.

If you smoke, smoke outside

• Use large, deep sturdy ashtrays.
• Wet cigarette butts and ashes before throwing them out or bury them in sand.
• Never smoke in bed.
• Never smoke if oxygen is used in the home.

Give space heaters space

• Keep space heaters well-ventilated and at least three feet away from flammable materials.
• Unplug heaters when not in use.
• Do not use extension cords with a space heater.
• Only use space heaters that have a protective screen covering the elements.
• Don't dry wet items such as shoes, towels or clothing on space heaters.

Stay in the kitchen when cooking

• Never leave cooking food unattended.
• Wear tight fitting or short sleeves when cooking.
• Use oven mitts to handle hot objects.
• Don't cook if you are drowsy from alcohol or medication.
• Mount a fire extinguisher in the kitchen.
• If a pot catches fire put a lid over it, turn off the burner and let it cool. If in doubt, call 9-1-1.

Stop, drop, and roll

• If your clothes catch fire, stop, don't run.
• Drop gentle to the ground and cover your face with your hands.
• Roll over and over back and forth to put out the fire.
• Use cool water for 3-5 minutes to cool the burn.
• Get medical help right away.

Smoke alarms save lives

• Install smoke alarms on every storey of your home and outside every sleeping area.
• Have a friend or relative test your smoke alarm while you are asleep to ensure you can hear it.
• Once a month, test the battery.
• Once a year, change the battery.
• Clean smoke alarms. Open the cover and gentle vacuum with a soft brush attachment.
• Replace the alarm every 10 years.

Plan and practice fire escape

• If possible, plan two ways out of every room.
• Know two ways out of your home.
• Know how to escape from all levels of your home.
• Make sure windows and doors open easily.

In case of fire - get out and stay out

• Crawl low near the floor to the nearest exit maintaining contact with the wall.
• Test the door by feeling it with the back of your hand. If hot, do not open.
• If door and knob are cool, stay low with your shoulder against the door while opening slowly, turning your face away from the door as you open it. Be ready to close the door if smoke and heat rush in.
• Once you have escaped the fire, call 9-1-1 from a safe location.
• If you cannot escape, call 9-1-1 and tell them your exact location. Seal the openings around the doors and windows with towels or bedding, wet towels or bedding if possible.

For people who live in apartment buildings and need assistance to escape

• If you live in an apartment building make sure you tell the superintendent or landlord if you need assistance to escape.
• Make sure your name is added to the persons who require assistance list in the fire safety plan, so the fire department knows which apartment you are in.
• Know the emergency procedures outlined in the building's fire safety plan.

Other tips to remember

• Sleep with the bedroom door closed in order to provide more time to escape if a fire occurs.
• Have a telephone near your bed in case you are trapped by smoke or fire.
• Place wheelchair, walker, scooter, or cane nearby for easy access.
• Never run electrical cords under a carpet or a rug.
• Never use candles. Keep flashlights in key locations for power outages.