The reduced sense of touch that comes with aging limits the ability to determine the temperature of surfaces or items such as pot handles or running water.
Diminished or uncorrected sight impairs the ability to see fire hazards such as lit candles, burning cigarettes, and the beginning stages of a fire, when it could be extinguished more easily.
Poor sight may limit the ability to see an exit in a fire situation.
Loss of hearing reduces the ability to hear and respond to a smoke or carbon monoxide alarm.
Impaired mobility and loss of balance when hurrying impairs the ability to flee.
Memory impairments are associated with lack of judgement and increase the risk of unintentionally engaging in fire-risky behaviors.
Short-term memory loss may increase the risk of leaving a stove burner or oven on.
Indicators of risk for fire include difficulty with kitchen tasks, such as preparing food for cooking and difficulty with following multi-step directions.
Symptoms of depression, which include fatigue and apathy, increase the risk of fire from unattended stove or cigarettes.
Prescription drugs and alcohol both cause drowsiness and increase fire risk.
Thinning skin, fragile blood vessels, reduced skin elasticity, and dehydration make burns more difficult to heal if they occur.
STRATEGIES FOR SAFETY
Install and maintain smoke and carbon monoxide detectors. If necessary, change batteries yearly on a birthdate, Daylight Saving Time, or any other date that is easy to remember.
Test smoke detector monthly by pressing the button on the smoke alarm unit.
Consider a smoke detector with a strobe light. Additional information is on the website www.nfpa.org
Write the installation date on the inside cover of the smoke detector and replace it every 10 years.
Mount a fire extinguisher in the kitchen and elsewhere if needed (e.g., fireplace, areas where smoking is permitted). Check the pressure gauge monthly.
Install plastic safety covers for the knobs on the oven and stove.
Consider an auto shut-off for oven and/or stove.
Have the gas company verify there is an automatic shut-off for natural gas if the pilot light goes out.
Be attentive to turning off the stove before removing food from a pan on a cooking surface or in the oven.
Set water heater to 120°F to prevent scalding.
Color code water handles: red for hot, blue for cold.
Place a sign on the oven, coffee maker, toaster, crock pot, iron, and other hot appliances that say “DO NOT TOUCH” or “STOP! VERY HOT.”
Do not allow unsupervised use of appliances if the aged person demonstrates any of the risk factors described above.
Unplug appliances when not in use and store out of sight when possible. Plug them into a surge protector kept in the “off” position if storage is not possible.
Although microwaves present a smaller hazard than a stove, supervision may still be needed.
Candles should not be used unless they are battery-operated. They can easily be knocked over or left burning when the person goes to bed, increasing fire risk.
Give space heaters space.
Develop a fire escape plan for the home, including who will be responsible for helping the aged person get to safety.
Let a neighbor know that someone in the home needs additional assistance should a fire occur.
Stop smoking.
If smoking cessation is not an option:
Keep matches and lighter separate from the tobacco product and allow the aged person to smoke only when in the presence of others.
Purchase a large, deep ashtray and keep water in the bottom of it.
Place a cookie sheet under the ashtray to prevent ashes from falling on furniture or fabric surfaces.
