In response to recent fire activity involving senior citizens, the State Fire Marshal William E. Barnard requests aging Marylanders to take special precautions to protect themselves from the potential of injury or even death resulting from scald burns and fire related injuries. “The aging process can be difficult enough without having to recover from injuries related to smoke and thermal burns”, stated Barnard. “Everyone needs to assume responsibility and take the initiative to protect themselves from needless injuries resulting from these hazardous issues.”
Aging adults are a fast growing segment of the American society and are at a serious risk of receiving long term injuries and possibly death from exposure to smoke and high heat conditions. The inability to escape the effects of fire because of physical limitations and/or use of medications is of considerable concern, thereby, performing safe practices and having an escape plan are essential to quality of life. By practicing scald and fire safety tips, aging adults can reduce their chance of encountering a debilitating injury or death. Please follow the listed tips and guidelines to help protect you from a fire or burn related injury.
Before a Fire Occurs
Identify the Nearest Emergency Exit
Whether you are at home or elsewhere, you should always know the location of the nearest exit. This could save your life in an emergency.
Heed Fire Safety and Design Guidelines
Walkways and doorways should accommodate any mobility impairment an individual may have. For example, doorways should accommodate a wheelchair’s width, and flooring material should accommodate artificial limbs, walkers, or canes.
Install and Test Smoke Alarms
One important step you can take to save your life during a fire is to install a smoke alarm that suits your needs. A working smoke alarm can make a vital difference in the event of a fire and may reduce the risk of dying in a fire by as much as 60 percent. A properly functioning alarm can alert you to the presence of deadly smoke while there is still time to escape. Place alarms in each sleeping area and on every floor of your home. Keep smoke alarms clean by vacuuming or having them vacuumed regularly. Test the alarm function monthly, and replace the batteries annually. Ask friends, family members, building managers, or someone from the fire department to install and test the batteries of a smoke alarm if it is hard to reach. When replacing battery only smoke alarms, consider having 10-year lithium battery alarms installed. If your smoke alarms are hardwired (connected to the ele
