Comfort Keepers Home Health Care Services in Oklahoma City, OK: Guide to Boosting Fire Safety at Home

Fire prevention is easy if you take the necessary steps! Comfort Keepers Home Health Care Services offer the following advice to adults and seniors in Oklahoma City, OK

Accidental home fires present a major safety risk in the USA, usually caused by kitchen accidents, alternative heating options, smoking, and problems with an inadequate supply of electricity. According to the United States Fire Administration, senior citizens are two and a half times more likely to die in a fire than people from any other age group. Older adults aged 65 or over also sustain a higher number of fire-related injuries.

By educating themselves about the risk factors, as well as being prepared and knowing exactly what to do in case of a fire, your loved one can avoid severe injuries and health complications. Comfort Keepers Home Health Care Services share the following tips on fire safety and prevention that can help your loved one enhance safety in their home and reduce the risk of fire accidents.

Enhance Safety in the Kitchen

The majority of indoor fire accidents occur in kitchens. Your loved one can easily avoid any fire hazards by simply removing flammable materials from the kitchen, never leaving an oven or stove unattended, and having a fire extinguisher nearby just in case.

Reduce Smoking Hazards

If your parent is a smoker, make sure they are well aware of the dangers of smoking inside their home. In addition to avoiding smoking in bed, your loved one should empty ashtrays in metal bins and make certain that each cigarette is properly extinguished.

Inspect Wiring

We can often hear that power overloads or damaged cables and sockets can cause a fire, but how can we actually recognize when there’s a problem with electricity? If your parents notice that the lights start to dim every time they turn on some appliance or that the fuses tend to overcharge and blow when certain appliances are used simultaneously, chances are the wires, sockets, and fuses need inspecting. Comfort Keepers Home Health Care Services suggest that your senior mom or dad calls an electrician to check and repair any potential bad wiring.

Get Smoke Detectors

Installing smoke detectors significantly reduces the risk of house fires. In case your senior mom or dad doesn’t have them already, make sure they are installed immediately, especially in key areas in the house, such as the kitchen and bedroom. Though smoke alarm systems require minimal maintenance, they need to be kept clean. If your loved one has hearing impairments, Comfort Keepers Home Health Care Services suggest that they test the alarm to see if it is loud enough for them.

Prepare an Escape Plan

Having a viable escape plan ready in case of an emergency can save lives. To that end, you might want to consider building an emergency plan tailored to your parent’s needs, with alternative escape routes and ensure they understand exactly what to do in case of a fire.

Comfort Keepers Home Health Care Services Can Be of Assistance

If you are concerned about your loved one’s safety or you require any additional information about Comfort Keepers Home Health Care Services, feel free to call our local office today at (405) 753-6802. We are here for you!