In the United States 16.5 percent are at least 65. In a few decades, this figure will likely increase to 22 percent. Fire safety is important as the population grows older. Every year, over 1000 Americans aged 65 and over die in fires. More than 2000 people are injured. Seniors are twice as likely to be killed in a house fire as other people.
The elderly living independently at home are more susceptible to fires than those in long-term care facilities.
- Mobility issues are common among older people, which makes it difficult for them to escape a fire in a house with multiple floors. It is also more difficult for older people to take precautions in the event of a fire due to their lack of mobility. They may find it difficult to stay low in order to avoid smoke.
- Sensory impairments in older adults, such as a weaker sense of hearing, sight, touch and smell, make it difficult for them to detect danger. They may not be able to detect a fire by simply touching the doorknob.
- Seniors with mental illnesses such as dementia, Alzheimer’s, depression or other mental disorders have slower reaction times. This affects their ability stay safe in an emergency.
- Adults who live independently may not have the money to purchase fire safety equipment such as fire blankets or smoke detectors. Poorer long-term care facilities may not have the necessary equipment, or the staff to respond in an emergency.
Three steps to improve the fire safety of elderly people:
Be sure their buildings are well-equipped
For seniors who live in buildings with multiple floors, it is important to have stair chairs installed at the appropriate places. This will increase their chances of safely exiting a building during an emergency. Evacuation chair from companies such as Evacuscape is cost-effective, and has multiple safety features.
- The lightweight but strong design can carry even large adults
- It’s easy to train them
- The exit signs are easily collapsible, and can be stored in the appropriate place.
- The brakes are designed to be fail-safe and improve safety when moving down stairs
The purchase of evacuation chairs is a wise investment because they are useful for the physically challenged, pregnant women and those who use mobility aids during emergencies. In addition to fires and other emergencies, evacuation chairs are also useful during power outages as well as earthquakes.
Make sure the carbon monoxide detectors and the fire alarms in a senior residence are working. Fire safety equipment like fire extinguishers, stair chairs and fire extinguishers must be taught to people living with seniors.
Visit them regularly
It’s important to regularly visit seniors, whether they live alone or have a caregiver. This is to ensure that their living conditions are safe. Fires that start in senior homes are usually caused by faulty gas-powered equipment, faulty wiring or overloaded sockets.
Fire Safety Education
Everyone living in an elderly home should be educated about fire safety. They should know the steps to take and how to help those who are vulnerable during an emergency.
Seniors are more susceptible to fires, but their chances of surviving can be improved by using the right tools and receiving support.
