With the 60 and older population increasing and the trend leaning toward the average North Carolinian aging in place, the risks of injury and death related to fire is growing. 

According to the U.S. Fire Administration, on average, more than 900 Americans age 65 and older die in fires and people over the age of 85 die in fires at a rate five times higher than the rest of the population. 

Here are a few tips for helping your loved ones stay Safe Today. Healthy Tomorrow:

• Install working smoke alarms on every level of your home. This includes the basement and inside and outside of sleeping areas
• Plan and practice an escape
• If you must smoke, never smoke in bed or near an oxygen source, gas stove, or other flammable object
• When cooking, never approach an open flame while wearing loose clothing and don’t leave cooking unattended. Use a timer to remind you of food in the oven
• Don’t overload electrical outlets or extension cords
• Never use the oven to heat your home. Properly maintain chimneys and space heaters
• Take special precaution if you are on medication that makes you drowsy

 For more fire education and prevention information, please visit the U.S. Fire Administration’s Fire Prevention and Public Education page and the Fire Safety Checklist for Older Adults. 

 Help us spread the information and let’s have a Safe Today. Healthy Tomorrow.