Florida Injury Prevention Programs for Seniors (FLIPS)

1. Florida Injury Prevention Programs for Seniors (FLIPS) Senior Fire Safety Senior Module

2. Learning Objectives Upon completion of this program, you will be able to: • understand the fire safety issues for seniors to include statistics, high risks/special considerations for seniors, and components of fire; • be aware of fire hazards and how to prevent them; • install, maintain and demonstrate proper use of safety devices.

3. The Facts—National Statistics • The risk of death for people age 65 and over is 3 times greater than adults under age 65. Why? • less able to take quick action • may be on medication that affects ability to make quick decisions • many live alone

4. Basic Fire Dynamics • It takes 3 components to make a fire: • heat • fuel • oxygen

5. Fire Hazards That Affect YOU • Cooking accidents • Unsafe smoking • Heating equipment • Faulty wiring

6. Fire Quiz • A pot on the stove is on fire… What Do You Do?

7. Home Fire Hazards—Eliminate Them! • Conduct a home safety survey • Exterior hazards • lighting, shrubbery, visible house numbers, etc. • Interior hazards • survey each room of the house

8. Interior Home Fire Hazards—The Living Room • Check use of extension cords • temporary/not under the carpet • Fireplace/heating appliances • creosote free • fireplace screens • kerosene & space heaters (3 feet of space) • Safe smoking practices

9. Interior Home Fire Hazards—The Kitchen • The most dangerous room • Check cords on electrical appliances • replace frayed or worn cords • unplug appliances when not in use • Use safe cooking practices • never leave cooking unattended • pot handles/covers/microwaves • no storage in ovens • Fire Extinguisher

10. Interior Home Fire Hazards—The Bedroom • Use of oxygen • shut off if fire starts • No extension cords under rugs • Safe smoking practices • Know two ways out • Accessible windows • Burglar bars which are quick release to the inside of the window

11. Interior Home Fire Hazards—The Bathroom • Hot water heater • thermostat at 120 degrees Fahrenheit • automatic shut-off • Safety measures • non-skid strips • flashlights • grab bars/chairs • telephone

12. Home Fire Hazards—Safety Devices • Early warning devices • smoke alarms/heat detectors: Check monthly and change batteries 2 times a year. • carbon monoxide (CO) detectors: In a fire, most people die from CO. • Safety measures • lifeline alerts • residential sprinklers • fire resistive clothing/upholstery

13. Home Fire Hazards—Escape Plan: Exit Drills In The Home (E.D.I.T.H.) • Know 2 ways out of each room. • Designate a meeting place outside. • Discuss what to do about family pets. • Have a chain ladder for 2-story homes. • Practice it!

14. The Fire Plan—What To Do In The Event of a Fire • Get low and go • Get out fast • Once out, stay out • Call 9-1-1 from a neighbor’s home • If burned, run cold water over the burn. • Don’t use home remedies like butter. 9-1-1

15. When it comes to fire…Don’t be scared-Be prepared !