Fire safety tips for seniors from an Ottawa fire prevention officer

Ottawa Fire gives us some tips when it comes to keeping aging family members safe in the event of a fire.

Fire prevention is important at all ages but according to a fire prevention officer from Ottawa, it’s something seniors should be especially mindful of.

“It is very important, because from 2015 to 2024, the Ontario Fire Marshall determined that 39 per cent of all fires and fire fatalities had people that were 65 of older,” says Leanne Labbee, an Ottawa fire prevention officer.

“Between 65 and 75, you’re twice as likely to perish or get injured in a fire. Seventy-five to 84, three times. Eighty-four and up, four times.”

Labbee joined CTV News Ottawa on Wednesday to offer some fire prevention guidance for seniors.

In the kitchen

Labbee says 86 per cent of fires are residential fires and unattended cooking is the leading cause of those fires.

To prevent kitchen fires, Labbee recommends keeping a lid within reach when doing any type of cooking on the stove, in case you need to extinguish a fire.

“If a fire does start, you can just put the lid on top and turn it off,” she said.

While preparing quicker meals on the stovetop, Labbee says it’s important to stay in the kitchen. If you need to leave, turn off the stove before doing so.

When simmering, boiling or baking, Labbee suggests setting a timer, preferably a portable one that can be carried with you if you plan to leave the room.

Labbee also says to avoid using the stove or oven as extra storage space.

“It’s also important to remember, your oven is not a cupboard space, and the stove top is not an extra counter space,” she said.

Around the home

Smoke alarms are an essential fire safety tool, Labbee says.

To avoid having to frequently change their batteries, Labbee suggests seniors install smoke alarms with sealed batteries, which can last up to 10 years without needing to be changed.

For those with older parents or friends, Labbee suggests regularly checking their smoke alarms for them.

“You’re visiting, even if you did it last week, test it again this week just to make sure that its working,” she said.

Labbee also says seniors should make sure they have clear paths to exit their homes, and they should keep items on their bedside table for easy access.

“Glasses, cell phone, maybe even a flashlight or hearing aids. Things that you’re going to need, so that you can access them really quick, and not have to turn back around,” she said.

At the retirement or care home

When touring retirement homes or long-term care homes, Labbee suggests keeping an eye out for basic safety measures like fire extinguishers and alarms.

“It’s also important to know that any of the registered retirement and care homes, we annually go in and inspect them, and we annually do an observed fire drill with them,” she said.

“So, you can ask the staff, when’s the last time you had one done, and if you have any concerns, you can always contact us at fire prevention at Ottawa.ca and we can give you a hand.”

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