Older Adult Fire Safety Checklist

    Are you prepared for emergencies? Make sure each statement below is true for your home!

    Smoke Alarms
    • Smoke alarms are on every level of the home.
    • Smoke alarms are inside and outside sleeping areas.
    • Smoke alarms are tested each month.
    • Smoke alarm batteries are changed as needed.
    • Smoke alarms are less than 10 years old.
    • People can hear smoke alarms from any room.
    Cooking Safety
    • The cooking area has no items that can burn.
    • People stay in the kitchen when they are frying, grilling, boiling, or broiling food.
    Smoking Safety
    • People only smoke outside and never in bed.
    • People put cigarettes out safely in an ashtray with a wide base that will not tip over.
    • People never smoke around medical oxygen.
    Heating Safety
    • Space heaters are least 3 feet away from anything that can burn.
    • People blow out candles before leaving the room.
    Escape Plan
    • There is a fire escape plan that shows 2 ways out of every room.
    • Exits are always clear and not blocked with furniture or other items.
    • Everyone knows where the safe meeting place is outside the home.
    • The escape plan works for everyone, including people who use a wheelchair, a hearing aid, or glasses.
    • There is a phone near the bed to call a local emergency number in case of a fire.
    Carbon Monoxide Alarms
    • Carbon monoxide alarms are located on each level of the home.
    • Carbon monoxide alarms are less than 7 years old.
    Electrical and Appliance Safety
    • No electrical cords run under rugs.
    • All electrical cords are in good condition and not broken or cut.
    • People clean the dryer of lint after every use.
    • All plug outlets are safe and do not feel warm when
      you touch them. (If they are warm, call the landlord
      or an electrician.)

    Source for Content: United States Fire Administration

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