Knowing how to prevent a fire and protect yourself in the advent of one, is essential knowledge for all ages. Seniors, perhaps most of all.
As we age, our physical as well as cognitive abilities decline, putting us at greater risk of being harmed in a fire. Decreased mobility, loss of sight, hearing, or dementia, can all impact the ability to react fast when a fire occurs.
Here at Delmanor Wynford, we want you and your family to stay safe. As such, we have compiled a list of fire safety tips for older adults and their families.
Kitchen Safety
- Wear tight-fitting clothing or short sleeves when cooking.
- Don’t leave cooking food unattended. Ensure to stay in the kitchen at all times when you are cooking. If you need to leave, even for a short time, turn off any cooking appliances.
- Use a timer or other memory device, to remind yourself that you are cooking.
- Anything that can catch fire, such as oven mitts, wooden utensils, food packaging, towels, or curtains, should be kept away from cooking appliances.
- If a pot on the stove catches fire, cover it with a lid to smother the flames and then turn off the stove. Never use water on a grease fire.
Home Heating
- Anything that can burn, should be kept at least three feet away from heating equipment.
- Be sure to turn off heating equipment and put out fires before leaving the room or going to sleep.
- Plug any heating equipment directly into the wall. Don’t use an extension cord.
- Place heating equipment on a flat surface away from water. Make sure to buy a model that has an auto-turn-off switch, in case it falls over or overheats.
Medical Oxygen
Medical oxygen can be a serious fire risk. It can cause materials to catch on fire more easily and make fires burn faster. However, if you or a family member requires medical oxygen, there are a number of things you can do to reduce the risk of a fire.
- Never smoke around medical oxygen.
- Keep oxygen cylinders at least five feet away from a heat source or open flame.
- Keep oil and grease away from where the oxygen is being used as these can easily ignite. This includes body oil, hand lotion, and other items containing oil or grease.
Smoke Alarms
- Ensure there are working smoke alarms inside each bedroom (if you sleep with the door closed), outside each bedroom, and on every level of your house.
- Test smoke alarms once a month.
- If you suffer from hearing loss, opt for a smoke alarm that uses a strobe light or shakes your bed in the event of a fire.
Escape Plans
- Update home escape plans to take into account your current physical abilities.
- Make sure there are two ways out of each room.
- Keep hallways and stairs uncluttered.
In The Case of a Fire
- Close the door behind you as you (and others) escape to help contain the fire.
- Call 9-1-1 from outside the home on a cell phone or a neighbour’s phone. Do not go back into your house.
If your hair or clothing catches on fire:
STOP what you are doing right away. Do not try to remove clothing.
DROP to the ground and cover your face with your hands.
ROLL back and forth on the ground until the fire is out.
If you are unable to drop and roll, wrap yourself in a towel or blanket to smother the flames. Use cool water for three to five minutes to cool any burn and get medical help immediately.
Knowing how to prevent a fire and protect yourself in the event of one is essential knowledge for all ages—seniors, perhaps most of all. As we age, our physical and cognitive abilities decline, putting us at greater risk of being harmed in a fire.
With that in mind, if you’re considering senior living options in the Don Mills, Toronto area for your loved one, Delmanor Wynford offers a safe, supportive community tailored to seniors’ needs. Our full-service retirement community provides both Independent and Supportive Living options, giving you peace of mind that your loved one will be well-cared for. We invite you to join us for lunch and a tour to learn more about how our community prioritizes safety, comfort, and overall well-being. Contact us today to schedule your visit!
