Fire Safety Week
According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), Fire Prevention Week occurs from Sunday, Oct. 6 through Saturday, Oct. 12. This is a time to help educate the public about various aspects of fire prevention. This year’s theme is “Smoke alarms: Make them work for you!™”
The organization’s website states, “The goal of this year’s campaign strives to educate everyone about the importance of having working smoke alarms in the home.” This is especially crucial for seniors, as their risk of dying in a fire increases with age.
On its website, the U.S. Fire Administration states, “Overall, the trend in the fire death rate per million population for older adults (ages 65 and over) increased 23% from 2013 to 2022. In 2022, the fire death rate for people in this age group was 34.7 deaths per million population — the highest fire death rate for this age group over the 10 years. The older adult population faces the greatest relative risk of dying in a fire.”
When it comes to fire safety, seniors are encouraged to follow NFPA’s tips for smoke alarm use and guidelines, including: Installing smoke alarms in every room where people sleep as well as outside each separate sleeping area, such as a hallway, as well as on each level of the home (including the basement). Testing smoke alarms every month. Replacing smoke alarms when they stop responding when tested or when they are 10 years old. The organization also encourages seniors and their caregivers to develop an evacuation plan in the case of a fire.
Seniors should conduct their own regular fire drills to ensure they know exactly what to do in a fire emergency at home. When performing a drill, seniors should ensure they can open all windows and doors, including security bars. Fellowship Square Historic Mesa holds a drill in a different area of the community each and every month so that staff are continually trained and residents are regularly reminded of procedures.
Because the “majority of fatal fires occur when people are sleeping, and because smoke can put you into a deeper sleep rather than waking you, it’s important to have a mechanical early warning of a fire to ensure that you wake up,” the organization states. This is why a smoke alarm is so essential. However, for seniors who are deaf or whose hearing is diminished, NFPA recommends installing a smoke alarm that also employs flashing lights or vibrations to alert seniors of a fire emergency. The NFPA also advises people to keep a phone nearby and a list of emergency phone numbers “so that you can communicate with emergency personnel if you’re trapped in your room by fire or smoke.” In recognition of Fire Prevention Week, Fellowship Square Historic Mesa encourages seniors to enact these fire safety precautions and participate in our fire drills.
For more information on how Fellowship Square ensures the safety of its independent and assisted living residents in the event of a fire, we invite you to schedule a tour.
