Fire Safety—Avoid Death by Fire

--Virginia Morgan

When my father’s mother was still alive, she had a tendency to smoke and read in bed at night because she couldn’t fall asleep right away. My aunt tells me that on several occasions she dragged a burning mattress out of the house because my grandmother had fallen asleep with a lit cigarette in her hand. The house was old and could have easily burned up with all occupants if my aunt hadn’t been there.

According to the U.S. Fire Administration, adults 65 and older are twice as likely to die in fires as any other age group. Some of us are not quite there yet, but all of us know people who are in that age group. Help them—and yourself—avoid death by fire. Follow these seven tips provided by the USFA.

1. Install and maintain smoke alarms on every level of your home, and especially near sleeping areas.
2. If you smoke, use the smoking materials safely. Never smoke in bed, while drowsy or under the influence of medication or alcohol.
3. Pay attention to your cooking.
4. Heat the house safely.
5. Practice electrical safety. If your house is more than 20 years old, you may have wiring that is not capable of safely carrying the electrical load of newer appliances and equipment.
6. Keep matches and lighters out of the reach of children.
7. Know what to do in case of fire.

Go to http://www.usfa.dhs.gov/downloads/pdf/publications/fa-221.pdf to download a copy of the brochure with its additional details.

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