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Fire Safety for Older Adults

People ages 65 and over have an increased risk of dying in a fire. Having physical or mental impairments, using chemical substances such as medicines and alcohol, and living with smokers or in substandard housing are some of the risk factors that make older adults more vulnerable to fire injury and death.

Did you know:

In 2020, older adults (65+) in the United States had a
2.5 times
greater risk of dying in a fire
than the total population.

More older adult fire risk statistics
The fire service must continue its important role in helping community residents protect older adults from fire. These materials are yours to use when educating older adults and their caregivers about the importance of home fire safety.

Messages to share with older adults and caregivers

Your risk of dying in a home fire is greater as you get older.
Discuss your fire escape plan with family and neighbors. Contact your building manager or fire department to discuss your plan if you need extra help escaping.
If you use a walker or wheelchair, check all exits to be sure that you can go through the doorways.
If you can’t hear your smoke alarm, consider getting one that has a different sound or one that comes with a bed shaker or strobe light.
Caregivers should check the smoke alarms of those who are unable to do it themselves.
Never smoke around medical oxygen.
Use a timer to remind you that you are cooking.

Social media graphics and stock photos

card: keep your needs close to your bed at night

Pictographs

Pictographs can help overcome literacy barriers by communicating messages with pictures. Our pictographs will help you to communicate fire safety messages to high-risk populations.

remember to test your smoke alarms
remember to test your smoke alarms
remember to test your smoke alarms

Handouts

escape planning for older adults

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fire safety older adults

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Videos

https://youtu.be/-JN8p-XX9xg

https://youtu.be/jmcuA49U598