Advice For The Elderly
Approximately half of those killed by fires in the home are aged 60 or over. This figure is due to the fact that it can often be harder for an elderly person to get out of their home quickly. This advice is aimed at older people to help them get away from danger quickly in the case of a fire.
The most important thing is to buy a smoke alarm and make sure it always works. The extra time a warning from a smoke alarm will give you could save your life. There are several ways that alarms can be adjusted to suit people with hearing impairments etc. Please read the smoke alarms page for more information.
Tips
- Make sure that your planned escape route remains free of any obstructions and that there are no loose floor coverings that could trip you up.
- If you have a serious mobility difficulty you may wish to consider having your bedroom on the ground floor, if this is practical, and as near as possible to an exit.
- If you would need assistance to make your escape, it is vital that you have some means of summoning help by your bed, i.e. a buzzer, intercom or telephone.
- If possible, close the door of the room where the fire is and close all doors behind you as you leave. This will help delay the spread of fire and smoke.
- Do you have guests staying such as grandchildren? If so what provision have you made for them in case of fire?
- Before opening a closed door use the back of your hand to touch it. Don't open it if it feels warm - the fire will be on the other side.
- Get every one out as quickly as possible.
- Don't try to pick up valuables or possessions.
- Make your way out as safely as you can and try not to panic.
- Smoke rises so stay low where it is easier to breathe.
- Telephone the Fire and Rescue Service on 999 from a neighbour's house or a telephone box. How to make a 999 call.
- Never go back into the house until a Fire Officer has told you it is safe to do so.