Smoke Alarms

Fire Escape Planning

Accessing 911

Preventing Kitchen Fires and Injuries

Fire Prevention

Fire S afety for adults aged 65 and older is a growing concern for fire and life safety organizations across the country. It is expected that the senior population will rise over the next several years from 12% of the population to nearly 20%. It is feared that this increase will also result in an increase in fire deaths and injuries to this age group. 

• Older adults (aged 65 and older) account for nearly a third of U.S. fire deaths and over 10% of fire injuries even though they comprise just 12% of the population.

• Older adults are at a greater risk of death and injury in fire because of slower reaction times due to limitations with vision, physical mobility limitations, as well as medications that can cause drowsiness or disorientation.

• Careless use of smoking materials is the leading cause of fire deaths for people age 65 and older. It is the second leading cause of fire injures.

• Cooking accidents are the leading cause of fire related injuries for older adults.

By installing and maintaining smoke alarms, having a plan in case of a fire and taking steps to prevent the most common types of fire, the risk can be greatly reduced.

Click on one of the following topics to learn more about what you can do to prepare for and prevent a fire in your home.

• Smoke Alarms

• Fire Escape Plan

• Accessing 911

• Preventing Kitchen Fires and Injuries