Florida Injury Prevention Programs for Seniors (FLIPS)

1. Florida Injury Prevention Programs for Seniors (FLIPS) Senior Fire Safety Professional 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. Learning Objectives cont’d… • discuss various fire safety behaviors such as: • “stop, drop, and roll” • escape planning and exit drills • dialing “9-1-1” • “putting out” small fires • cooling burns • be aware of local, state, and national resources.

4. Overview of FLIPS • Professionals—physical therapy, health education, nursing, practitioners, researchers, etc. • Focus—fall prevention; fire safety; and poison, medication & food safety • Satellite groups • Janet Lehman—FLIPS coordinator in DOEA. Email: lehmanji@elderaffairs.org

5. 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

6. The Facts—The State of Florida • More fires occur on what day of the week? • Monday • Thursday • Tuesday • Wednesday • Friday • Sunday • Saturday

7. The Facts cont’d… • Where do most fires occur? • Most fires occur in the home and 80% of all fire deaths occur in the home. • The South has the highest fire death rate per capita.

8. The Facts cont’d… • What are the leading causes of fires in the nation? • cooking • smoking • heating

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

10. Fire Hazards for Seniors • Cooking accidents • Unsafe smoking • Heating equipment • Faulty wiring

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

12. 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

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

14. 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

15. Interior Home Fire Hazards—Fire Extinguisher Facts • Use for small fires ONLY! • Operation: P.A.S.S. • Pull the pin • Aim • Squeeze • Sweep

16. 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

17. 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

18. Home Fire Hazards—Safety Devices • Early warning devices • smoke alarms/heat detectors: most important and check monthly • carbon monoxide (CO) detectors: in a fire, most people die from CO • Safety measures • lifeline alerts • residential sprinklers • fire resistive clothing/upholstery

19. Home Fire Hazards—Detectors • Smoke alarms/heat detectors • purpose • installation • maintenance • Carbon monoxide detectors • purpose • installation • maintenance

20. Home Fire Hazards—Emergency Measures • Know your emergency system • 9-1-1 • enhanced 9-1-1 • reporting an emergency

21. Home Fire Hazards—Escape Plan: 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!

22. 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 9-1-1

23. The Fire Plan—What To Do In The Event of a Fire • If fire gets on your clothing, “stop, drop, & roll!” • If burned, run cold water over the burn. • Don’t use home remedies like butter.

24. The Fire Plan—What To Do In The Event of a Fire cont’d… • If you have to stay: • dial 9-1-1 • shut down heat/air conditioning unit • fill the bathtub with water • wet towels around doors • signal from a window • get low under the smoke

25. Be Safe From Fire! • Remember these 3 things: • eliminate home hazards • install safety devices • practice emergency measures

26. Local fire departments Hospitals Insurance agencies Safe Kids Shriner’s Clubs State Fire Marshall’s Office National Fire Protection Association U.S. Fire Administration/FEMA Fire Safety Resources

27. Education Is The Key To Prevention & Safety

28. Don’t Be Scared,Be Prepared!