October is Fire Prevention Month in Canada

As you may know, seniors make up the largest high-risk group for injury and death by fire. Statistically, adults over the age of 65 suffer twice as many fire deaths as the general population. Changes in sensory and physical functions can make it difficult for seniors to detect or escape a fire. the good news is that many fire-related deaths and injuries among seniors are preventable.

The following home safety tips can help protect seniors in the event of a fire emergency.
Fire safety tips for seniors Courtesy of Kidde Safety
1. Have at least one working smoke alarm on every level of your home, and
test them monthly.
2. Never remove batteries from smoke alarms for any reason except to replace them.
3. Plan two ways out of every room.
4. Practice your escape plan at least once a year. Make sure all occupants of your home are involved.
5. Grease and fat fires are a leading cause of home fires in Canada, so be extra careful when doing this kind of cooking.
6. Never leave cooking unattended. Wear tight-fitting or rolled-up sleeves when cooking and don't reach over a hot burner.
7. Homes with natural gas, furnace, hot water heaters, fireplaces, cooking stoves, grills and kerosene heaters should have a CO alarm. Choose a unit with digital display to easily monitor CO levels in the home.
8. Exposure to CO makes one fall into a deeper sleep. Because most fire or carbon monoxide incidents occur at night, it is a good idea to install "voice" alarms close to the sleeping areas to help people quickly identify the hazard and respond faster.
9. In an actual emergency situation, crawl low to the ground under the smoke and keep your mouth covered with a wet cloth.
10. Have a pre-arranged meeting place outside your home. Call 911 from a neighbour's house. Once outside, stay outside.

There are some alarming statistics which highlight the need for greater fire prevention awareness among Canadians:

In 2000, there were 21,206 house fires in Canada resulting in 327 deaths and 529.5 million dollars in property loss.

Only half of the smoke alarms in Canadian households are working. Only a working smoke alarm can save your life.

Carbon Monoxide is the #1 cause of unintentional poisoning deaths in North America yet only 31% of Canadian households have at least one Carbon Monoxide Alarm.

Please let me know if you'd like any product images and/or additional fire prevention tips/stats. May also want to consider a story on "Giving the Gift of Safety" this holiday with fire protection products.