Fire Safety & Home Support Workers
Fire safety for older and vulnerable adults: • Older adults = high risk • Aging population • People are living longer and staying in their own homes • Older or vulnerable adults face challenges that make them more vulnerable to fire
Where Do Fires Occur? …in the home.
Who’s Dying in Fires?
Most Common Fire Scenarios Heating equipment Careless cooking – space heaters Careless smoking
LOOK WHILE YOU COOK!
CLEAR THE CLUTTER
USE AN OVEN MITT TO PREVENT SCALDS
WEAR TIGHT- FITTING OR ROLLED UP SLEEVES
Smoking With Care • #1 cause of fire deaths • Smoke outside or use large deep ashtrays • Do not extinguish cigarettes in plant pots • Never smoke in bed • Empty ashes into a metal container, not the garbage can and put it outside
Portable Heaters Give space heaters space • at least one metre (3 feet)
Electrical Fire Safety Check for: • overloaded plugs with “octopus outlets” • frayed or nicked electrical cords • cords running under rugs – this can damage the cord and cause a fire
For added Install smoke alarms on protection, every storey install a and outside all smoke sleeping areas. alarm in every bedroom.
Smoke Alarms Do they have smoke alarms? Do they work? Action: Test smoke alarms every month by pressing the test button.
Smoke Action: Alarms Change the battery in all smoke alarms once a year and whenever the low battery warning sounds.
Smoke alarms wear out Action: Make sure your client has smoke alarms that are not older than 10 years.
No smoke alarms? • Consult your supervisor can your agency provide smoke alarms? • Contact fire department can the fire dept. provide smoke alarms? • Follow up to make sure smoke alarms are installed/working
Fire safety concerns? • Fill out the referral form
Home Fire Escape Planning Meeting Place
Home Fire Escape Plan Basics • Keep hallways and exits clear of clutter • Know two ways out of each room, if possible. • Choose a meeting place outside. • Call fire department from outside. • Once out, stay out. • Practice your escape plan.
Planning an Working escape smoke alarms Can save lives!
No Time to Spare
Smoke Spread Prevent the spread of smoke Close all doorways, including: • apartment doors • all hallway doors • all stairwell doors
Discuss the following fire safety issues with your clients: • How to be safe while cooking • How to smoke with care • How to use portable heaters safely • How to reduce electrical fire hazards • How to install and test smoke alarms • How to develop a home fire escape plan • Ensure doors are closed
Home Fire Safety Checklist
Questions For more information, contact: [insert your contact here]
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