of 32
8/8/2019 Burn Safety Older Adults
1/32
Fire and Burn Safetyfor Older Adults
Fire and Burn Safetyfor Older Adults
8/8/2019 Burn Safety Older Adults
2/32
Senior Safety
Fire and Burn Safety for SeniorsFire and Burn Safety for Seniors
Developed by:
American Burn AssociationBurn Prevention Committee
Developed by:
American Burn AssociationBurn Prevention Committee
Funded by:
United States Fire Administration/
Federal Emergency Management Agency
Funded by:
United States Fire Administration/
Federal Emergency Management Agency
8/8/2019 Burn Safety Older Adults
3/32
Senior Safety
Fire and Burn Death and InjuryFire and Burn Death and Injury
Deaths
4,000 deaths a year
from fire and burns
Injuries
25,000 hospitalized in burn centers
600,000 burn injuries receive treatment
Deaths
4,000 deaths a year
from fire and burns
Injuries
25,000 hospitalized in burn centers
600,000 burn injuries receive treatment
(Sources: National Fire Protection Association,
National Center for Health Statistics)
(Sources: National Fire Protection Association,
National Center for Health Statistics)
8/8/2019 Burn Safety Older Adults
4/32
Senior Safety
Risks to Older Adultsfor Fire/Burn InjuryRisks to Older Adultsfor Fire/Burn Injury
Physical and Mental ChangesPhysical and Mental Changes
MedicationsMedications
SightSight
UnderstandingUnderstanding
MobilityMobility
8/8/2019 Burn Safety Older Adults
5/32
Senior Safety
Dangerous Attitudes About FireDangerous Attitudes About Fire
It wont happen to me!
Ive been smoking all my
life. Why shouldIstop now?
My dog would wake meif there was a fire.
We have the best fire stationin town. Theyd save me.
It wont happen to me!
Ive been smoking all my
life. Why shouldIstop now?
My dog would wake meif there was a fire.
We have the best fire stationin town. Theyd save me.
8/8/2019 Burn Safety Older Adults
6/32
Senior Safety
Leading Causes of Fire and BurnDeath and Injury for Older AdultsLeading Causes of Fire and BurnDeath and Injury for Older Adults
Smoking
Cooking
Scalds
Electrical Wiring
Heating
(Sources: National Fire Protection Association;
Centers for Disease Control)
Smoking
Cooking
Scalds
Electrical Wiring
Heating
(Sources: National Fire Protection Association;
Centers for Disease Control)
8/8/2019 Burn Safety Older Adults
7/32
Senior Safety
Smoking HazardsSmoking Hazards
- Average age of
cigarette fire death: 55+
Careless discarding
in beds, chairs, trash
Increases with alcohol,
prescription drugs Visitors, caretakers,
neighbors also at risk
Dont Allow Smoking in Your Home
- Average age of
cigarette fire death: 55+
Careless discarding
in beds, chairs, trash
Increases with alcohol,
prescription drugs Visitors, caretakers,
neighbors also at risk
Dont Allow Smoking in Your Home
8/8/2019 Burn Safety Older Adults
8/32
Senior Safety
Smoking and Oxygen TherapySmoking and Oxygen Therapy
Do not support the
smoking habit of those
who depend on portable
oxygen tanks
Smokers who dependon oxygen should leave
smoking materials at
home when out in public
Do not support the
smoking habit of those
who depend on portable
oxygen tanks
Smokers who dependon oxygen should leave
smoking materials at
home when out in public
8/8/2019 Burn Safety Older Adults
9/32
Senior Safety
Keep Safe in the KitchenKeep Safe in the Kitchen
Keep safe from
Fires
Scald injury Contact burns
Falls
Keep safe from
Fires
Scald injury Contact burns
Falls
8/8/2019 Burn Safety Older Adults
10/32
Senior Safety
Clothing for Cooking:Protect the Hands and BodyClothing for Cooking:Protect the Hands and Body
Wear short sleeves
or close-fitting clothes
Wear apron
Use heavy duty potholders
to move hot pots and dishes
Use oven mitts
Wear short sleeves
or close-fitting clothes
Wear apron
Use heavy duty potholders
to move hot pots and dishes
Use oven mitts
8/8/2019 Burn Safety Older Adults
11/32
Senior Safety
Keep the Stove Top SafeKeep the Stove Top Safe
Keep flammables awayfrom cooking elements
When children arepresent
-Create a kid-free zonefor three feet around
stove
-Cook with rear burners
Keep flammables awayfrom cooking elements
When children arepresent
-Create a kid-free zonefor three feet around
stove
-Cook with rear burners
8/8/2019 Burn Safety Older Adults
12/32
Senior Safety
Keep Countertops SafeKeep Countertops Safe
Dont clutter countertops
Read and observe appliance
directions
Keep crockpots anddeep fryers awayfrom counter edge
Keep appliance cordsshort or coiled
Avoid using extension cords
Dont clutter countertops
Read and observe appliance
directions
Keep crockpots anddeep fryers awayfrom counter edge
Keep appliance cordsshort or coiled
Avoid using extension cords
8/8/2019 Burn Safety Older Adults
13/32
Senior Safety
Stand By Your Pan!Stand By Your Pan!
Stay in the kitchen to fry, grill, broil or boil
Stay in the home while baking or roasting
Use timer as reminder to check periodically
In case of a grease fire smother with matchingpan lid, not by using a fire extinguisher
In case of an oven fire, turn off oven, closedoor and wait until oven has cooled down
Stay in the kitchen to fry, grill, broil or boil
Stay in the home while baking or roasting
Use timer as reminder to check periodically
In case of a grease fire smother with matchingpan lid, not by using a fire extinguisher
In case of an oven fire, turn off oven, closedoor and wait until oven has cooled down
8/8/2019 Burn Safety Older Adults
14/32
Senior Safety
Use Microwave Oven SafetyUse Microwave Oven Safety
Locate microwave ovens on countertop,
not mounted above stove
Use only microwave-safe cookware
Allow food to cool before opening oven
Mix foods before serving
Locate microwave ovens on countertop,
not mounted above stove
Use only microwave-safe cookware
Allow food to cool before opening oven
Mix foods before serving
8/8/2019 Burn Safety Older Adults
15/32
Senior Safety
Kitchen Floor SafetyKitchen Floor Safety
Choose floor surface with safety in mind
Use non-slip floor mats
near food preparation areas
Wipe up spills immediately
Be sure path is clear when carryingor serving food (pets, children, toys, etc.)
Choose floor surface with safety in mind
Use non-slip floor mats
near food preparation areas
Wipe up spills immediately
Be sure path is clear when carryingor serving food (pets, children, toys, etc.)
8/8/2019 Burn Safety Older Adults
16/32
Senior Safety
How to Measure Hot Water TemperatureHow to Measure Hot Water Temperature
Run hot water
until it feels hot
(can take a minute ortwo)
Test temperature with
cooking thermometer
Run hot water
until it feels hot
(can take a minute ortwo)
Test temperature with
cooking thermometer
8/8/2019 Burn Safety Older Adults
17/32
Senior Safety
Establishing a Safe Hot Water TemperatureEstablishing a Safe Hot Water Temperature
If initial test temperature is
above 120F (48C), lower heater
thermostat setting
Initial result below 120F/48C
may be at low end of range
Retest over 1-2 daysuntil water temperature remains
at or below 120F/48C
If initial test temperature is
above 120F (48C), lower heater
thermostat setting
Initial result below 120F/48C
may be at low end of range
Retest over 1-2 daysuntil water temperature remains
at or below 120F/48C
8/8/2019 Burn Safety Older Adults
18/32
Senior Safety
Set Water Heater Thermostat At Safe LevelSet Water Heater Thermostat At Safe Level
120F/48C is a maximum
level, not a target
110F/43C maximum for
seniors recommended
Comfortable temperature
for senior bathing: 100F/38C
Lower setting = lower cost
120F/48C is a maximum
level, not a target
110F/43C maximum for
seniors recommended
Comfortable temperature
for senior bathing: 100F/38C
Lower setting = lower cost
100F38C
8/8/2019 Burn Safety Older Adults
19/32
Senior Safety
Tap Water Scald Prevention DevicesTap Water Scald Prevention Devices
Direct (Scald Prevention)
Tempering valve
must be installedby plumber on water line
Anti-scald shower head
can usually be installedby consumer on shower head
or faucet
Direct (Scald Prevention)
Tempering valve
must be installedby plumber on water line
Anti-scald shower head
can usually be installedby consumer on shower head
or faucet
8/8/2019 Burn Safety Older Adults
20/32
Senior Safety
Tap Water Scald Prevention DevicesTap Water Scald Prevention Devices
Indirect (Fall Prevention)
Grab bars
Shower chair
Non-slip floor mats
Indirect (Fall Prevention)
Grab bars
Shower chair
Non-slip floor mats
8/8/2019 Burn Safety Older Adults
21/32
Senior Safety
Electric Wiring Danger SignsElectric Wiring Danger Signs
Cracked, or frayed appliance or extension
cords
Cords that get hot to the touch
Loose or broken appliance or cord plugs
Warm switch plates or outlet covers Frequent tripped circuits/blown fuses
Cracked, or frayed appliance or extension
cords
Cords that get hot to the touch
Loose or broken appliance or cord plugs
Warm switch plates or outlet covers Frequent tripped circuits/blown fuses
8/8/2019 Burn Safety Older Adults
22/32
Senior Safety
Electrical Wiring SafetyElectrical Wiring Safety
Never overload outletsor extension cords
Have electrician inspectand rewire or replace:
-loose appliance plugs-frayed or cracked cords-warm wall switches-overloaded circuits
Never overload outletsor extension cords
Have electrician inspectand rewire or replace:
-loose appliance plugs-frayed or cracked cords-warm wall switches-overloaded circuits
8/8/2019 Burn Safety Older Adults
23/32
Senior Safety
Sleeping Area Electrical Safety RulesSleeping Area Electrical Safety Rules
Check electric blankets andpads periodically for charredspots or cracks in wiring
Use heating pad only15-20 minutes at a time
If heating pad lacksautomatic off switch,use timer to limit exposure
Do not lie, sit on or placeheavy objects on pador blanket
Check electric blankets andpads periodically for charredspots or cracks in wiring
Use heating pad only15-20 minutes at a time
If heating pad lacksautomatic off switch,use timer to limit exposure
Do not lie, sit on or placeheavy objects on pador blanket
8/8/2019 Burn Safety Older Adults
24/32
Senior Safety
Sleeping Area Safety ProvisionsSleeping Area Safety Provisions
Clear route for exit, rescuer entry
Place next to bed for quick access topersonal items (eyeglasses, telephone,flashlight, hearing aid, alarm bell)
Working smoke alarm in the room
Sleeping area on first floor if possible
Clear route for exit, rescuer entry
Place next to bed for quick access topersonal items (eyeglasses, telephone,flashlight, hearing aid, alarm bell)
Working smoke alarm in the room
Sleeping area on first floor if possible
8/8/2019 Burn Safety Older Adults
25/32
Senior Safety
Candle SafetyCandle Safety
Use heavy, sturdy, heat-resistant candleholders,
big enough to collect wax
Keep candles away from
window coverings, other
flammables, children
Keep wick cut to inch
Extinguish before leaving
a room or going to sleep
Use heavy, sturdy, heat-resistant candleholders,
big enough to collect wax
Keep candles away from
window coverings, other
flammables, children
Keep wick cut to inch
Extinguish before leaving
a room or going to sleep
8/8/2019 Burn Safety Older Adults
26/32
Senior Safety
Portable Heater SafetyPortable Heater Safety
Keep portable heaters clean
Keep 3 feet away from combustibles
Refuel kerosene heaters outside
Use only special kerosene fuel cans
Keep portable heaters clean
Keep 3 feet away from combustibles
Refuel kerosene heaters outside
Use only special kerosene fuel cans
8/8/2019 Burn Safety Older Adults
27/32
Senior Safety
Household Heating SafetyHousehold Heating Safety
Keep flammables awayfrom the house heater,outside the residence
Keep combustibles3 feet away fromheat source
Do not use aerosolcleaning products nearby
Service home heatingsystems annually
Keep flammables awayfrom the house heater,outside the residence
Keep combustibles3 feet away fromheat source
Do not use aerosolcleaning products nearby
Service home heatingsystems annually
8/8/2019 Burn Safety Older Adults
28/32
Senior Safety
Aerosol and Other Cleaning Product SafetyAerosol and Other Cleaning Product Safety
Protect hands with
heavy rubber gloves
Store in originalcontainers
Do not combine
cleaning products
Keep in locked cabinet
out of reach of children
Protect hands with
heavy rubber gloves
Store in originalcontainers
Do not combine
cleaning products
Keep in locked cabinet
out of reach of children
8/8/2019 Burn Safety Older Adults
29/32
Senior Safety
Prepare Against Fire and Carbon MonoxidePrepare Against Fire and Carbon Monoxide
Install, maintain smoke alarms
on all levels of a residence
outside each sleeping area
in bedrooms if sleepingwith door closed
Install carbon monoxide
detector
Test alarms on schedule
Display home address outside
Install, maintain smoke alarms
on all levels of a residence
outside each sleeping area
in bedrooms if sleepingwith door closed
Install carbon monoxide
detector
Test alarms on schedule
Display home address outside
8/8/2019 Burn Safety Older Adults
30/32
Senior Safety
Prepare to Respond Promptly in Case of FirePrepare to Respond Promptly in Case of Fire
Develop escape plan with provisions
for older adult household members
Practice escape plan
Keep all exits clear
Develop escape plan with provisions
for older adult household members
Practice escape plan
Keep all exits clear
8/8/2019 Burn Safety Older Adults
31/32
Senior Safety
In Case of FireIn Case of Fire
STAY CALM
Stay low under smoke
Do not usean elevator!
Call 9-1-1 from outside
the home if possible
If trapped, signal firerescue workers
STAY CALM
Stay low under smoke
Do not usean elevator!
Call 9-1-1 from outside
the home if possible
If trapped, signal firerescue workers
8/8/2019 Burn Safety Older Adults
32/32
Senior Safety
Key Guidelines forOlder Adult Fire/Burn SafetyKey Guidelines forOlder Adult Fire/Burn Safety
Smoking: Dont smoke when drowsy
Cooking: Wear safest clothing
Scalds: Set water heater thermostatto keep temperature from exceeding120F/38C
Home heating: Keep flammable liquidsoutside the household
Electricity: Repair or replace damaged wires,switches, plugs, appliances
Smoking: Dont smoke when drowsy
Cooking: Wear safest clothing
Scalds: Set water heater thermostatto keep temperature from exceeding120F/38C
Home heating: Keep flammable liquidsoutside the household
Electricity: Repair or replace damaged wires,switches, plugs, appliances
