By admin Published March 15, 2019

During the month of March, we want to focus on fire safety for older adults. The risk of injury, as well as death, from a fire is twice as likely to happen to people over the age of 65. We’ve compiled some great tips and tricks to keep yourself, and your loved ones safe in the event of a fire.

Here are four tactics to keep in mind and practice routinely.

1. Know two ways out of each room and keep the exits clear.
2. Plan your escape around your abilities.
3. Make sure everyone is able to get outside if the smoke alarm sounds.
4. Keep necessary objects such as eyeglasses, hearing aids, and a telephone next to your bed.

We want you to always be prepared for any situation that might occur, no matter where you are. Being fully equipped and confident to act fast in an emergency situation will increase your chances of survival. Here are the three “P’s” of being Prepared in the case of a home fire:

1. Protect: Always to make sure that your heaters are not too close to your furniture, curtains, or other flammable objects. Make sure to remember to turn off your space heater when you leave the room or the house.
2. Prepare: Have working smoke alarms on every level of your home. Ideally you should have a smoke alarm inside bedrooms and test them to make sure they are loud enough to wake you up. Also it is a good idea to keep a fire extinguisher in your home, know where it is and how to use it.
3. Plan: Make an escape plan around your abilities and keep objects that you need, such as a cane, hearing aids, and glasses by your bed.

There are many strategies that you can take to ensure the safety of your home and your loved ones, but the most important thing to keep in mind is your comfortability. No matter what your plan is, make sure you know it well and are confident in executing it safely.

If you would like more information regarding how to make your home safe, comfortable and efficient, please join us for our Emergency Preparedness event on Tuesday, April 9th from 1:30-3pm. This workshop will cover how to help people with special needs make plans in advance of an emergency so they are ready to evacuate if needed.

As always, if you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to reach out to your friends at the Carbondale Fire District.