Fire Safety for Seniors

Seniors may be affected by health issues such as reduced mobility and poor eyesight and hearing. There are several factors to consider for keeping seniors safe:

• Electrical blankets can be a source of fires, particularly if the blanket has any frayed cords or is left on for many hours at a time
• Buy large, deep, non-tip ashtrays to prevent cigarettes falling out, in case your senior relative nods off while smoking.
• Take all the ashtrays out of the bedroom. Falling asleep while smoking in bed is the number one cause of fires with seniors.
• Older electrical appliances that have been around for 30 or more years may have frayed wires. Check them out thoroughly.
• Buy a timer as a reminder to turn off burners or the oven.
• Put a smoke detector outside every bedroom and check them once a month.
• Consider getting wheels-on-meals to deliver or having someone help out with the cooking, if your senior relative is taking medication that makes them sleepy.
• Seniors can be attached to their belongings. If they are unduly anxious about losing prized possesions in a fire, make up a bag with their most precious belongings inside or invest in a fire proof safe. You don't want them being delayed while leaving a burning building because they are rescuing belongings. 
• Test the escape route and always have two available routes. If one of the escape routes is through a window make sure it’s easy to open. Any security bars on doors and windows should have quick releases.
• Make sure your senior knows where all fire exits are. If you live in a retirement home or care facility and need assistance find out what kind of evacuation plan is in place.

Learn more about fire safety and prevention:

Plan Your Escape

Visit our Fire Safe House

Fire Safety Tips

Top 10 Causes of House Fires

5 Myths About Fire

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