Fire Safety Tips for Seniors

Small tools and tips to Prevent fires, burns and other injuries:

If you smoke, smoke outside

• Provide smokers with large, deep sturdy ashtrays
• Wet cigarette butts and ashes before throwing them or bury them in sand
• Never smoke in bed
• Never smoke if oxygen is used in the home

Give space heaters space

• Keep them at least 3 feet (1 metre) away from anything that can burn including you
• Shut off heaters when you leave or go to bed
• Only use space heaters that have a protective screen covering the elements
• Don't dry wet items such as shoes, towels or clothing on space heaters

Stay in the kitchen when cooking

• Never leave cooking unattended
• Wear tight fitting or short sleeves when cooking
• Use oven mitts to handle hot objects
• Don't cook if you are drowsy from alcohol or medication
• Ensure electrical cords can't be accidentally pulled
• If you have to leave the kitchen turn the burner off or take a spatula or spoon with you as a reminder you still have something in the kitchen
• If a pan of food catches fire
• Slide a pot lid or cookie sheet over it
• Turn off the burner and let it cool
• If in doubt call 9-1-1

Stop, drop, and roll

• If your clothes catch fire, STOP (don't run)
• DROP gently to the ground, and cover you face with your hands
• ROLL over and over back and forth to put out the fire
• Use cool water for 3-5 minutes (at least) to cool the burn
• Get medical help right away

Smoke Alarms save lives

• Have smoke alarms installed on every level of your home, inside each bedroom, and outside each sleeping areas
• For added safety, install combination CO/Smoke Alarms which alert you to both high Carbon Monoxide levels and smoke
• For the best protection, use interconnected alarms so when one sounds, they all sound
• Make sure everyone in your home can hear the smoke alarms
• Test the alarms monthly
• Change the batteries once a year
• Replace the alarm every 10 years

Plan and Practice your escape from fire and smoke

• If possible, plan two ways out of every room
• Identify two ways out of your home
• Make sure windows and doors open easily
• Never use the elevator. Use the stairwell to exit the building
• If the smoke alarm sounds, get outside and stay outside

In an emergency Call 9-1-1

• 9-1-1 is a free service
• Once you have escaped the fire, call 9-1-1 from a safe location
• If you can not escape, call-9-1-1 and tell them your exact location
• Seal the openings around the door and vents with wet bedding or towels

Plan your escape around your abilities

• Have a telephone near your bed in case you are trapped by smoke or fire
• Place wheelchair, walker, scooter, or cane nearby for easy access
• Prepare an emergency kit with necessary items such as:
  • medications, glasses, doctors numbers, emergency contacts, insurance information, emergency cash/credit card, flashlight
  • have coat and shoes handy

For More Information

Fire Prevention

Telephone	780-496-3628
Email	publicsafetyandeducation@edmonton.ca