The fire death rate for Americans 65 and older is more than twice the national average! For those over 75 it's three times the national average, and for those over 85 it's four times the national average.

Three leading causes of home fire deaths for older adults are:

• • Smoking Accidents
• • Faulty or misused heating equipment
• • Cooking accidents

Most fire deaths are preventable. Smoke alarms can cut your chance of dying in a home fire in half. And, you can cut your risk even more by developing and practicing fire safety and a fire escape plan.

Fire safety behaviors that can save your life:

• • Keep glasses, telephone, and walking aids by your bed
• • Develop and practice a fire escape plan
• • Use stairs, not the elevator, in the event of a fire
• • Know the sound of your smoke alarm
• • Don’t open a door that is hot to the touch, use your alternate exit
• • Crawl low under smoke to get out
• • Never smoke in bed or when sleepy or drowsy from medication
• • Keep portable and space heaters 3 feet from anything that burns
• • Don’t dry or store objects on or near heaters
• • Don’t overload circuits or rely on extension cords as permanent wiring
• • Wear close fitting clothing or secure loose sleeves with rubber bands while cooking
• • Use a timer to remind you when something needs attention or is done cooking
• • If interrupted while cooking, turn off burners and take a pot holder with you to remind you to finish cooking
• • Turn off the burner first when moving a pot from the stove and use a pot holder
• • Turn pot handles to the side so they are not easily tipped over
• • Store items where you can reach them without reaching over the stove
• • If a pan flares, slide a lid over it, turn off the burner and dial 911
• • If the oven flares, close the oven door, turn it off and dial 911
• • Cool a burn 10-15 min. with cool water then bandage - Call for help if serious
• • If your clothes catch fire, stop, drop and roll with your hands over your face, or use a heavy cotton or wool blanket or coat to smother the flames
• • Use a broom handle or stick to test hard to reach smoke alarms
• • Smoke alarms need maintenance: Vacuum regularly to remove dust; Install a new battery at least once per year or when it “chirps”
• • Help us find you. Your house numbers should be 3” block type and clearly visible on the front of your house or mailbox