What Are Some of the Greatest Fire Risks in Your Senior’s Home?

October 7th through the 13th is Fire Prevention Week.
This is a great time for you to better understand the risks that may be present in your senior’s home so you can make meaningful modifications to their environment as well as to of their lifestyle to reduce the risk of fire injury or loss. Every year, tens of thousands of people are injured in fires, but some simple changes can protect your parent as they age in place.

Caregiver in East Quogue NY: Senior Home Fire Hazards

Some of the greatest fire risks in your senior’s home include:

• • Lack of sufficient working smoke detectors. Detecting the presence of smoke quickly doubles your parent’s chances of surviving it. It is critical they have enough of these detectors throughout the home, and that they are kept in good working condition at all times
  • Flammable items such as oven mitts or towels kept too close to the surface of the stove
  • Obstructed vents on a microwave
  • Tossing water onto a grease fire. These should be put out by putting the lid on the fire, or suffocating it with baking soda or salt
  • Flammable materials kept too close to a space heater
  • Multiple items plugged into the same outlet
  • Blocked dryer vent
  • Lint buildup in the dryer vent
  • Fires in a fireplace that has not been properly maintained
  • Lighting a fire with green wood or other unstable fuel
  • Worn or damaged electrical wires
  • Wires or cords running under rugs
  • Electronics such as televisions or computers kept too close to flammable items, which can cause them to overheat
  • Candles kept too close to flammable materials such as curtains
  • Candles, fires, and heating appliances left on when your parent is not in the room or has gone to sleep
  • Grill kept too close to the house

Starting home care for your aging parent can be one of the most meaningful and impactful decisions you make for your senior during your experience as their family caregiver.
An in-home senior care services provider acts as a supplement to the care you give, ensuring your parent has continued access to the care they need to stay healthy, safe, comfortable, and happy, and to pursue more independence as they age in place. When it comes to helping them stay safer and reduce fire risk, this care provider can help your parent make good choices and avoid dangers.

If you or an aging loved one is considering hiring a Caregiver in East Quogue, NY, call the caring staff at Artful Home Care today at 631-685-5001.

Source
Redcross.org