Senior Fire And Burn Prevention Safety And Smoke Detector Program:

Seniors Are Especially Vulnerable To Fire!
Senior citizens are more likely to die in home fires than any other segment of the population in the United States, for several reasons:

• A decreased ability to smell leaking gas or something burning.
• Older adults tend to react more slowly once a fire has started.
• Use of some medications may cause drowsiness and an inability to react quickly.
• The skin of older adults is thinner and more vulnerable to fire.
• Memory lapses during tasks can contribute to home fires.

Protect Yourself . . . Stop Fires Before They Start
Simple planning can help you and your loved one stay safe from home fires.

• Install and maintain smoke detectors. Check detectors every month and change batteries twice a year.
• Give space heaters space! Place them a minimum of three feet from every thing - including you.
• Check electrical appliances. Check the plugs and cords for exposed wires or frayed ends, and replace if needed.

What You Should Do In Case Of Fire
Take care of yourself in an emergency. Follow these simple rules:

• Recognize the sound of your smoke detector.
• Know two ways out of all rooms.
• Test the door. If it is hot, use your second way out.
• Crawl low under smoke. If you can, stay close to the floor.
• Stop, Drop, and Roll if your clothes catch on fire. Stop immediately, drop to the ground, cover your face with your hands, and roll. If you are unable to Stop, Drop and Roll, smother flames with a blanket.
• Get out and stay out during a fire. Call 911 from a neighbor's house.

• Never leave your cooking unattended.
• Always wear clothing with tight fitting sleeves, so they do not accidentally drag in the fire.
• Turn pot handles toward the back of the stove to prevent spills. Use a timer to remind you to turn off burners and the oven.
• Keep stove surfaces free of clutter and grease.
• If a grease fire erupts in the kitchen, carefully slide the lid over the pan to extinguish the flames, and then turn off the burner.

Don't Be Surprised . . . Plan Your Escape!
If a fire breaks out, you must be able to leave home quickly and safely. Plan ahead. Seconds count in an emergency!

• Live near an exit. Or if you live in an apartment, try to occupy a ground-floor unit.
• Keep a phone next to your bed and post emergency numbers like 911.
• Know two ways out of every room in your house.
• Make sure you can unlock all doors and easily open all windows.
• If you are trapped, close the door between you and the smoke. Stuff cracks and cover vents to keep smoke out. If you have a phone in your room, call 911 and tell them exactly where you are in the house.

• If you are a smoker, use the largest, deepest, non-tip ashtray you can find. Empty ashes frequently, wetting the contents before throwing them in the trash.
• Check cushions for dropped matches or cigarettes. These can smolder for hours and ignite long after you go to bed.
• Never smoke in bed or while on medication that could make you drowsy or disoriented. And, never leave a cigarette in an ashtray, or on the arm of a couch or chair.

Smoke Detectors Can Save Your Life
To be safe from fire in your home, everyone, and especially seniors, should have a smoke detector on every level of the house. And, remember, smoke detectors only work if their batteries are good. Be sure to change the batteries in your smoke detectors when you change your clocks twice a year.

The Burn Institute has teamed up with volunteers, fire departments and other community organizations to install a free smoke detector for any senior who does not have a working smoke detector in their home.

To qualify for a free smoke detector you must: be 55 years or older, own your own home and not currently have a working smoke detector.