Fire Safety Tips for Seniors at Home in Ottawa, ON

Uncategorized  |  October 12, 2018

The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) encourages everyone to understand the risk of household fires. Property damage caused by fires is staggering. The 3,000 deaths and 14,000 injuries caused in a year is heartbreaking. Fire is powerfully destructive, but there are ways to proactively reduce the risk of fire in your home, or in the home of your loved ones.

Here are some safety tips by NFPA:

• Install smoke alarms. They should be on each floor of the home, inside and around bedrooms.

• Test smoke alarms at least once a month and replace batteries at least once a year.

• Replace any smoke alarms that are more than 10 years old.

• Don’t leave the kitchen when you’re cooking, and especially if you’re frying, grilling, or broiling food.

• Keep a fire extinguisher in the kitchen where it’s quickly accessible.

• Don’t leave candles burning unattended. Blow them out if you’re leaving the room or going to sleep.

• Lock up matches and lighters or keep them out of the reach of children.

• Replace any cracked or damaged electrical cords.

• Keep at least three feet of empty space beyond fixed or portable space heaters. Beware of nearness to furniture, clothing, curtains, etc. Turn heaters off before sleeping.

• Ask any smokers to go outside when they smoke. Provide sturdy, deep ashtrays for smokers.

• Create a home fire escape plan with consideration for any specific needs or handicaps, as well. Practice your plan at least twice a year.

• If there is a fire, get out first, then call for help outside of the home.

Many home fires can be prevented. Comfort Keepers® may be able to help you and your loved ones reduce the risk of fire. Our caregivers offer home assessments to ensure a living environment is safe. We also provide a variety of quality, in-home care services for loved ones including cooking and meal preparation. You can contact us and get home care for your senior loved one anytime, ensuring they are safe and healthy at home in Ottawa, ON.

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