Fire Safety Tips for You and Your Elderly Loved One in Ottawa, ON

Uncategorized  |  October 12, 2018

You may be able to reduce the risk of fire by making simple changes in your home or the home of a loved one. According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), everyone needs to learn about household fires and how they typically start. Damage from home fires is devastating and the costs are staggering. Over 3,000 deaths and 14,000 injuries in a period of a year are hard to fathom, but a fire is immensely powerful and destructive. Still, there are ways to lessen the risk of fire in your home, or in the home of your loved ones.

Consider these safety tips from NFPA:

• Install smoke alarms all around the home, on each floor, inside and around all bedrooms.

• Test home smoke alarms at least once per month. Replace batteries at least once a year.

• Discard and replace smoke alarms over 10 years old.

• Stay in the kitchen when cooking, and especially if frying, grilling, or broiling food.

• Keep a fire extinguisher easily available in the kitchen.

• Never leave burning candles unattended. Just blow them out when leaving a room or preparing for sleep.

• Hide the matches and lighters to keep them out of the reach of children.

• Inspect and replace any cracked or damaged electrical cords.

• Keep all heaters (fixed or portable) away from furniture, clothing, curtains, bedding, etc. There should be at least three feet of empty space beyond the heaters. Turn them off before going to bed.

• Ask your smoking family or friends to go outside when they smoke. Provide them with sturdy, deep ashtrays.

• Create an organized fire escape plan and practice it at least twice per year. Consider any special needs or handicaps, as well.

• If a fire breaks out, get out first. Call for help from outside the home or building.

Often, home fires can be prevented. Comfort Keepers® might be able to reduce the risk of fire for you or your elderly loved ones. Our professionally-trained caregivers can assess home environments for safety. We can also offer quality, in-home care services for loved ones which can including assistance with cooking and meal preparation. If you would like to talk to one of our home care experts about how we can help your seniors loved one, contact us today!

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