FIRE SAFETY FOR OLDER AMERICANS

1. FIRE SAFETY FOR OLDER AMERICANS Visually impaired or Blind Deaf or Hard of Hearing Mobility Impaired South Carolina Office of State Fire Marshal Public Fire Education and Data Management

2. SC Fire Fatalities

3. SC Fire Fatalities in Older Adults

4. Leading Cause of Fire Fatalities and Injuries in Older Americans

5. Objectives:Participants will recognize the increased fire risk for older Americans and address safety issues in three primary areas: • Before Fire Strikes: What You Need To Do • What To Do During A Fire • General Fire Safety & Prevention Tips

6. Why?… • The aging process may limit ability to move quickly in an emergency situation • Medications may further impact mobility • Many people live alone

7. What Can You Do to Protect Yourself? • PREPARE before a fire occurs to reduce risks • KNOW WHAT TO DO if a fire does occur • PRACTICE good fire safety habits

8. I. How to Prepare Before A Fire Strikes

9. Install Smoke Alarms The Smoke that can kill you can also save your life by activating a smoke alarm

10. For maximum protection, an alarm should be installed in every room, but especially in sleeping rooms and between sleeping and living areas, and on every level of your home Refer to manufacturer’s guidelines for installation

11. Avoid installing in dead-air spaces in corners. • Test alarms monthly • Clean alarms periodically

12. If you are hearing impaired. . . • Strobe lights or vibratory smoke alarms are available • Keep a TTY/TDD or phone next to your bed along with emergency telephone numbers • Involve the fire department in preparing your exit plan

13. In South Carolina, your landlord is responsible for installing smoke alarms in all rental property

14. SMOKE ALARMS MORE THAN DOUBLE YOUR CHANCES OF SURVIVING A FIRE…Install yours today!

15. Prepare an Escape Plan

16. Your Escape Plan Should: • Identify two ways out of each room • Designate a meeting place outside • Identify a method for contacting the fire department from outside your home

17. .While developing your plan, consider the following: • If you use a wheelchair or walker, make sure all exit routes will allow you to pass through • If special impairments could prevent you from escaping, talk to your local fire department to get advice for your particular circumstance

18. II. During the Fire In the unfortunate event of your home catching fire, KNOW WHAT TO DO

19. GET OUT and STAY OUT! Leave as soon as possible • Don’t waste time collecting valuables and memorabilia

20. If Smoke is Present Stay Low Under the Smoke • The air nearest to the floor is the cleanest. If physically unable to crawl, cover your mouth and nose to avoid breathing toxic fumes and make your way to safety as quickly as possible

21. Test Doors Before Opening Determine whether it is safe to exit through the door or whether you should use your alternate exit Use the back of your hand, reach up high, and touch the door, doorknob and the space between the door and the frame

22. If You Become Trapped Don’t Panic • Close all doors between you and the fire • Fill cracks in doors and cover vents with damp cloth • Call the Fire Department and tell them where you are located • Signal rescuers from a window

23. If Your Clothes Catch Fire Stop, Drop and Roll • Cover your face with your hands, drop to the ground, rolling over and over to smother the fire. • If you are unable to conduct these actions, use a blanket, rug, or other material to smother any flames.

24. General Fire Prevention and Safety

25. Electric Space Heaters

26. Electric Space Heaters, cont. • Use adequate wiring and sufficient outlet voltage • Should be approved by a nationally recognized testing laboratory • Should have an automatic shut-off feature / switch

27. Electric Space Heaters, cont. • Keep all combustibles at least 3 feet away • Keep children and pets away from heater • Avoid using extension cords

28. Fireplace Safety

29. Fireplaces, cont. • Service annually to check for cracks, creosote build-up, and other defects • Never use gasoline, kerosene or lighter fluid to start fire • Keep a screen or tempered glass door in front of fireplace to prevent sparks from flying

30. Wood Burning Stoves

31. Wood Burning Stoves, cont. • Top chimneys with spark guard • Tested by nationally recognized testing laboratory, (UL Listed) and follow manufacturer’s guidelines for operation and installation • Use adequate ventilation

32. Kerosene Heaters

33. Kerosene Heaters, cont. • Should have safety shut-off valve • Use only pure kerosene • Never operate unattended • Refill unit outside

34. Electrical Safety

35. Electrical Safety, cont. • Inspect electrical cords for frayed or broken wires • Don’t overload extension cords – keep them out of high-traffic areas • Avoid over-washing electric blankets

36. Cooking Safety

37. Cooking safety, cont. • Never leave stove unattended – NOT EVEN FOR A MINUTE! • Wear tight fitting clothes to prevent sleeves from catching fire • Smother grease fires with a lid • Turn pot handles to the inside

38. Other Factors Affecting Fire Risks with Older Americans • Alcohol • Medications/Drugs • Smoking

39. Careless Smoking… The #1 cause of fires in senior citizen communities, especially when combined with alcohol, illness, or fatigue

40. Never smoke in bed - or allow anyone else • If an oxygen source is nearby, don’t smoke • Smoking while under the influence of Alcohol or other drugs may increase fire risk • Use large deep-dish ashtrays

41. Check upholstered furniture for discarded or smoldering cigarettes before going to bed • Douse ashtrays with water before emptying

42. In Review. . . • Before the Fire: Have working smoke alarms and prepare and practice an escape plan. • During a Fire: Stay low and go; test doors before opening, stop drop and roll if your clothes catch fire • Practice general fire safety and prevention