HOUSEHOLD SAFETY

Prevent Injuries

Accidental injuries and burns are leading causes of deaths for senior adults.  There are numerous steps that can be taken to prevent such tragedies.

Inspect your home to be sure every precaution has been taken to prevent fires, burns, and falls.

  •  People over 65 have a fire death rate twice the national average.

  •  32% of all deaths caused by residential electrical systems are as a result of faulty cords and plugs.

  •  Bathroom injuries account for approximately 25% of all household accidents.

Fire Safety Tips

The most important thing a person can do to ensure a home safe from fires

is to install smoke alarms.  They are inexpensive and easy to install.  Never borrow the battery to use elsewhere.

  •  Have a working smoke alarm on every level of your home and near sleeping areas.

  •  Smoke alarms for the hearing impaired or visually impaired are available.

  •  Test your smoke alarms once a month.

  • Replace the batteries in your smoke alarms twice a year, when you reset the clocks for Daylight Savings Time or on a special holiday or birthday.

  •  Know 2 ways out of every room in your home and make sure they're accessible.

  •  Always keep eyeglasses, a working flashlight, and emergency keys beside your bed.

  • Install a carbon monoxide (CO) detector.  (Make sure family members can distinguish between the sound of the smoke alarm and CO detector.)  Note:  A carbon monoxide detector does not replace a smoke alarm.

  •  Have at least 1 charged and fully operational fire extinguisher in an accessible place.

Only fight a fire if:

  -  everyone is out.

  -  the fire is small, contained in an area.

  -  it isn't smoky.

  -  behind you is a safe escape route.

  -  you know how to use an extinguisher.

IF THE FIRE DOES NOT GO OUT WITHIN SECONDS, GET OUT IMMEDIATELY.

In Case of Fire

Burns are a leading cause of accidental death among seniors.

1.  Leave.  Never call 9-1-1 from a burning building.

2.  Dial your local fire department no matter how small the fire.  Post emergency numbers by the phone.

3.  Stoop or crawl low to avoid breathing smoke.

4.  Don't panic and try not to rush.  You could fall.

Apartment Buildings or Care Facilities

All licensed care facilities have sprinkler systems that greatly reduce the incidence of fire, but residents should know the emergency plan for all rooms and participate in fire drills.

1.  Memorize the location of fire exits and the number of doors from yours to a fire exit, in case of dense smoke or darkness.

2.  DO NOT use elevators.  Take the stairs.

3.  If trapped, close all doors between you and the fire slow the spread of fire.  Open a window and signal for help.

4.  Use the back of your hand to test each door for heat before opening it.  It it's hot, try another way out.

If Your Clothing Catches on Fire

Stop, drop, and roll over and over to put out the flames.  Never run.  It will only make the fire spread.  If someone else is on fire, wrap a coat or blanket around them and puch them to the ground to help them stop, drop, and roll and smother the flames.

NOTE:  Approximately 70% of all people who die from clothing fires are over 65 years old.

Put Safety First

In the Kitchen

     Never leave cooking unattended.  If you are called away, turn off all

     burners until you return.

     Use a timer as a reminder to turn off burners and the oven.

     Keep stove surfaces free of clutter and built-up grease,

Never cook if you have been drinking or taking a medication that makes you drowsy.

In the Bathroom

Falls, scalds, shocks, and poisonings are among the most common types

of bathroom accidents.  The fifth leading cause of unintentional death among senior citizens is drowning.

Make sure the light switch is near the door & away from water sources.

Have non-skid rubber mats or decals in showers and tubs.

Only use slip-resistant rugs and runners.

Never use electrical appliances while you are wet or near water.  Unplug and store all appliances when not in use.

Electrical heaters and extension cords should never be used in the bathroom.

Lower the thermostat on your water heater so that tap water is no higher then 120° F.

Around the House

Have a fully stocked first aid kit.

Check electrical cords frequently for frayed wires and loose plugs.  Never overload outlets.

Make sure electrical appliances are easy to reach.  Follow all manufacturer's instructions.

Have your heating system checked annually by a qualified professional.

If you use a space heater, keep it vented, away from walkways, and at least 3 feet away from anything that can burn including curtains, rugs, and furniture.

Loose, flowing garments like nightgowns and robes are often highly flammable; be especially careful when wearing them.

Make sure rooms are well-lighted.  Use the recommended size of light bubbs in fixtures.

Only use GFCI (Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter) outlets in the bathroom.

Store aerosols in a cool place.

Keep important papers and valuables in a bank safe deposit box.  (Many fire victims were overcome while searching for items to rescue.)

If you suspect a gas leak, call your gas supplier immediately.

Never use charcoal briquets for heating ot cooking indoors.

Smoking

Smoking is the #1 cause of home fires.  More than 2,000 people each year die from fires started by smokers.  A lit cigarette that falls onto a bed or sofa can smolder for hours.

Never smoke in bed, or when you are drowsy from medication.

Provide smokers with large, deep, non-tip ashtrays.

Empty ashtrays often, wetting the contents before dumping them into wastebaskets.  Empty wastebaskets often.