Having a plan in the event of a fire emergency is important for all households, and especially for the elderly who choose to live in their own homes as they face risks that do not affect the young. Learning more about fire safety for your loved ones can help them live more independently and save them from any fatal accidents.
Fire Safety for Loved Ones – Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Alarms
Believe it or not, the chances of surviving a home fire almost doubles with the use of a smoke alarm. More than half the time, fires happen at night when everyone is asleep. With our senses like hearing becoming duller as we age, it is highly recommended to set up an alarm system that would undoubtedly get the attention of your elderly loved one. If they have hearing aids, test the alarm to see if they can hear it without the aid. Alternatively, you could set up alarms for other senses – vibration notifications, low-pitched sounds, or visual aids like strobe lights that are easier to notice.
Each floor of your living space should have at least one smoke alarm, and it’s important to keep up with their maintenance by replacing the batteries at least twice a year. A good rule of thumb to follow is that when you change your clocks, you should also change your smoke alarm batteries.
Fire Safety for Loved Ones – Electrical and Heating Safety
There are fire hazards all over a home if not taken care of properly – electric blankets, space heaters, fireplaces, TVs, lamps, and kitchen appliances, among many others. Here is a list of precautions you should take to keep your loved one’s home safe:
- Never leave your stove unattended and keep pot handles turned inward
- Keep all towels, oven mitts, and any hazardous items away from the stove while cooking
- Avoid wearing overly frilly or loose tops while cooking
- Never use water on a grease fire. Use a lid to contain a fire or baking soda
- Regularly wipe down your kitchen to clean grease buildup
- Don’t overload electrical outlets
- Ensure your extension rugs are not under rugs or furniture
- Avoid placing combustible materials like rags or newspapers near a water heater, space heater, or furnace
Fire Safety for Loved ones – Fire Escape Drills
According to the U.S. Fire Administration, everyone should be able to escape the house during a fire in less than three minutes. The same goes for older adults, who may be slower in their movement. In a dire situation, every second matters which is why it’s crucial to have a fire escape plan to know what the drill is.
The elderly should have a designated spot for their daily essentials like hearing aids, eyeglasses, and telephones so that in a situation where they can’t afford to think, it becomes second nature for them to grab the most important items they need while escaping.
Why Choose Rittenhouse At Muhlenberg?
If individuals at risk can move into a community, they should consider doing so. At Rittenhouse At Muhlenberg, we offer a safe and secure environment for the elderly who require assistance but still value an independent lifestyle.
If you have any inquiries about our range of services, don’t hesitate to contact us or call 610.477.3936 today.
