Seniors fire safety

Safety tips for seniors

Print these tips for home PDF file (482 KB)

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  Never smoke in bed

  If smoking is unavoidable:

  • Use large, deep, and sturdy ashtrays
  • Soak cigarette or cigar butts, ashes, and matches with water before throwing them in the garbage
  • Keep smoking materials, particularly matches and lighters, out of the reach of young children
  • Avoid smoking if you have consumed alcohol or medications, so that you don't fall asleep while smoking
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  Use portable space heaters safely

  • Only use space heaters that have a protective screen covering the elements
  • Give space heaters at least 1 metre (3 feet) of clear space all around
  • Keep all flammable materials away from space heaters
  • Do not dry wet shoes, clothing or towels on space heaters
  • Always turn off or unplug space heaters before leaving the house, or going to bed
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  Maintain smoke alarms

  • When testing smoke alarms, do not stand on a chair or steps. Instead, use a broom handle to press the “Test” button on your smoke alarm
  • If you have impaired hearing, purchase a special communication aid which converts the sound of a smoke alarm into flashing lights or vibrations
  • Never remove batteries from smoke alarms located near kitchens when cooking. Instead, press the “Silence” button
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  Know your fire escape plan

  • If you wear eyeglasses or take medication, remember to keep them by your bedside in case of emergency
  • If you need to evacuate your home, remember to bring your eyeglasses and medication with you
  • Seniors should consider sleeping on the ground level to ensure a safe escape when practicing the fire plan, and in case of fire
  • If you live with seniors, help the seniors to escape when practicing the home fire plan, and especially during a fire
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  Fire prevention

  • Remain in the kitchen while cooking; use a timer to remind you that you're cooking
  • Do not wear loose clothing or sleeves that may touch your stove top
  • When using electronics, do not overload outlets; use the rule one outlet, one plug
  • Never use water on a cooking fire;  turn off the heat source and cover with a lid
  • Discard cigarettes in an ashtray - never in a garden bed or pot
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  Burn prevention

  • Turn pot handles in so they cannot be easily bumped
  • When drinking hot liquids, place down in a safe place away from counter edges
  • Use a cup with a lid to prevent spilling
  • Use caution when removing lids from pots or coverings from the microwave as steam can burn
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  Slips and falls

  • Ensure there are no tripping hazards in the home by smoothing out carpet and taking care of uneven flooring
  • Apply non-slip strips to bath tub and shower floors
  • Ensure railings inside and outside of the home are secure
  • Tidy clutter so entries and exits are easily accessible
  • Take your time while rising from sitting to standing to gain balance
  • Stay active daily to decrease the risk of slips and falls
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  Health and wellness

  • Call your pharmacist to refill your prescriptions to avoid non-essential trips to the pharmacy
  • Call family if you need help with groceries or order from your local grocery store for pick up or delivery
  • Phone a neighbour to talk if you are feeling lonely
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  Life lines

  Life lines are a great tool to have if you are:

  • Recovering from a recent hospitalization
  • At risk of falling
  • Living alone
  • Requiring assistance for daily activities
  • Using a cane, walker, or wheelchair
  • Dependent on a caregiver
  • Managing multiple medications or health conditions