Older Adult Safety

Ontario adults 65 years and older are at higher risk of dying by fire than any other age group.

Common fire scenarios involving adults 65 years and older:

1. People smoking in their living area or bedroom while sleepy. Burning cigarettes or ashes ignite furniture/bedding or clothing.
2. People reaching over a hot burner on the stove and igniting clothing.
3. People leaving lit candles unattended; candles may become unstable and ignite table clothes, blankets, clothing etc.

http://www.knowfire.ca/ 

Fire Safety Tips

Make sure a fire never starts by following these simple tips:

• If you smoke use large, deep ashtrays. If anyone in the home smokes, smoke outside. Never smoke in bed.
• Don’t reach for danger! Wear tight-fitting or rolled-up sleeves when cooking and don’t reach over a hot burner. Always stay in the kitchen when you are cooking.
• Always blow out candles before leaving the room.
• Ensure items that can burn are one metre away from space heaters.
• Avoid overloading the electrical outlets. Extension cords should be used only as a temporary connection.
• Avoid running cords under rugs, which can damage the cord and cause a fire.
• Install a smoke alarm on every storey of your home and outside all sleeping areas. Test smoke alarms once a month and replace the battery once a year, or whenever the low-battery warning sounds.
• Know exactly what to do and where to go if there is a fire. Plan and practice your escape! Develop a home fire escape plan or refer to your building’s fire safety plan.
• In an emergency call 911.

Available Support For Seniors 

If you are an older adult or a person who is unable to test, install or replace expired Smoke & Carbon Monoxide Alarms, Woodstock Fire Department personnel can help. Firefighters will visit your home to install Smoke/CO Alarms or replace batteries, provide fire safety information and answer any questions you may have. Contact us at 519-537-3412 ext.5203 or email us at fire@cityofwoodstock.ca

Seniors living in apartment buildings or assisted-living residences where smoke alarms are maintained by property management, we can still answer your questions and provide safety information.