Statistics show that, compared to others, retirement age individuals are more at risk of dying in a fire. There are numerous opportunities to access fire safety tips online and these should be shared with your aging loved one as soon as possible. Where retirement age individuals are concerned, topics to touch upon include emergency planning and the risks of electrical fires, cooking, smoking, and more.
By creating a fire safety checklist for your aging loved one, you stand a better chance of keeping them safe and healthy.
Here, we’ll take a specific look at the topics just mentioned and some tips to help your loved one manage life safely – free from fire risks.
Smoking
It’s no secret your loved one should quit smoking if they still do. That aside, cigar and cigarette fires can be prevented by the following:
- Near any oxygen source, never, ever smoke.
- Put out your cigarette if you’re falling asleep, drowsy, or heading to bed.
- Cigarettes should never be extinguished in mulch or potted plants.
- Before you throw them away, fully extinguish cigarettes and matches.
- To put out cigarettes, fill a sturdy, large can or ashtray with sand.
- Outdoor smoking only.
Electrical Fires
Help prevent electrical fires through the following:
- Every 10 years have the electrical system inspected.
- At least 3 feet of space should be between space heaters and anything that can burn.
- Temporary use is fine for extension cords, but not long-term use.
- Electrical cords, so they don’t get pinched by furniture, should never be run under rugs.
- Especially when it comes to appliances that generate heat, per outlet, only plug in one appliance.
- Anything with a frayed wire should be discarded or repaired.
- Power strips and outlets should not be overloaded.
Cooking
For safer cooking, follow these tips:
- On someone else, or yourself, to put out flames, smother them with the use of a coat, bathrobe, or dish towel.
- Save your life by remembering “Stop, Drop, and Roll.” While putting out the flames, cover your eyes.
- To put a fire out on the stove top, use the lid of a pot or pan.
- Never leave cooking unattended.
- When cooking, wear tightfitting or short sleeves.
- Always have a fire extinguisher handy in the kitchen.
Helping Your Retirement Age Loved One
In the following categories, attention should be paid to assist your retirement age loved one:
- With an appropriate escape plan, accommodate any mobility issues they may have.
- Smoke alarms should be equipped with a bed shaker and/or warning light if they are hearing impaired.
- Every year have the chimney/furnace checked/tuned up.
- Every 10 years, the electrical system should be checked.
- Every 10 years replace smoke alarms.
- At least once a year, CO alarms and smoke alarms should have the batteries replaced.
Your Relative Will Be Safe and Secure At Our Retirement Community
Rather than having to go through a safety checklist with your loved one over and over again, get peace of mind and rest assured they are cared for properly in our retirement community. With numerous safety and security guidelines and procedures in place, our residents can live a life that can be healthier and more risk-free than if they were living on their own.
If you would like to find out more about our retirement community, you can call 240-253-6616 with leasing and sales questions. Please talk to a representative at 301-766-0066 for other inquiries. We also have a convenient online form option you can use. Fill it out, send it in, and we will respond.
Your best opportunity to see and experience all we have to offer is to schedule a tour. We look forward to meeting you.
