Fire Safety for Seniors
In America, adults over the age of 65 have a 2.5 times greater risk of dying in a fire incident than the rest of the population. This page will explain how older citizens are able to stay fire safe and provides resources for safety.
Fire Safety Tips for Senior Citizens
Smoke Alarms
- Check Smoke Alarms at least once a month and replace smoke alarms if they are older than 10 years.
- In older smoke alarm models, replace your batteries twice a year.
- Install Smoke alarms in your home, apartment, condo, or residence if there are none.
- Have a smoke detector in each bedroom, outside each sleeping area, and on every level of your home.
Escape Planning
- Draw a floor plan of your home and mark two ways out of each room.
- Talk with other members of the household to discuss an escape plan.
- Make sure the escape plan is accessible to any member of your home.
- Keep assistance devices such as walkers, wheelchairs, hearing, or seeing assists easily accessible for escape.
Smoking Safety
- For citizens who smoke, never leave a flame and smoking devices unattended.
- Use a deep ash tray and empty your ashtray frequently.
- Never smoke in bed or on flammable furniture.
- Do not smoke if you are feeling drowsy or sleepy.
- Never smoke near or while on medical oxygen.
- Brevard County Fire Rescue does not approve the use of cigarettes and smoking devices, quit if you can!
