Fires can be mentally and physically devastating for seniors. Here are some fire prevention & safety tips to keep your loved ones safe from fires.
Install Smoke Alarms
Installing a smoke alarm is an easy way to detect unusual amounts of smoke or dangerous fumes. Some alarms can also automatically disburse water if they detect fire. However, these systems need to be constantly maintained to make sure that they are functioning correctly. It is important to check on them frequently in case they need to be replaced or repaired.
Eliminate Clutter
Clutter, especially when comprising flammable materials, can easily become a fire hazard. It also can be dangerous in the case of an existing fire as it may block off escape routes. Keeping your loved one’s living area neat and tidy is highly recommended.
Moving the Bedroom Downstairs
Getting down the stairs may be difficult for seniors with mobility-impacting conditions. In case of a fire, having a bedroom located downstairs helps seniors vacate their living areas faster and with greater ease, especially if there are no exits available on higher floors.
Avoid the Use of Candles
Sometimes fires occur because of preventable accidents. One such accident might be knocking a candle over. Instead of candles, your loved ones can use air freshener sprays if their candles were for aromatherapy purposes or cordless humidifiers. It is also good practice to double-check that all electrical appliances that are not in use are unplugged or turned off as these can sometimes spark fires.
Safety Drills
Even with great safety strategies in place, unfortunate accidents can sometimes occur. Going through safety drills with your loved ones can help them know what to do in case of a fire. A well-set plan can help them move quickly and with confidence. Seniors should also keep personal items such as their eyeglasses, phones, hearing, and mobility aids close to their bed so that they are easily accessible in case of a fire. Having a whistle close to the bed is also a good idea as your loved one can use it to call for help. Your escape plan should get your loved ones out of their living area in less than 3 minutes and include more than one escape route in case one gets blocked during a fire. Doorways and stairs should remain unblocked as much as possible.
Take Care when Preparing Meals
Nutritious meals can help boost your loved one’s physical and mental capabilities, which in turn helps lower the risk of a fire. You can help prepare meals for your loved one in advance. These meals can be heated in the microwave, allowing your loved ones to avoid using the stove or oven, which lowers the risk of a fire by decreasing your loved one’s interaction with flammable materials.
Keeping Your Loved One Safe
Keeping your loved ones safe from fires requires regular housekeeping and maintenance. The Conservatory At Alden Bridge’s Impressions Housekeeping & Maintenance program allows seniors to live both safely and independently for everyone’s peace of mind.
