Prevent Fire. Save Lives.
A Fire Safety Campaign for People 50-Plus
PowerPoint Transcript

SLIDE 1:
Prevent Fire. Save Lives. 
A Fire Safety Campaign for People 50-Plus

SLIDE 2:
Over 50 and Loving It!
Retirement
Grandchildren
Traveling
Taking care of older relatives
New career
Practicing safe cooking, smoking, and heating behaviors.

SLIDE 3:
Did you know:
-	Fire kills approximately 1,100 people ages 65 and older each year.
-	People between ages 65 and 74 are TWICE as likely to die in a 
home fire.
-	People between ages 75 and 84 are nearly FOUR times as likely 
to die in a home fire.
-	People ages 85 and older are more than FIVE times as likely to 
die in a home fire.
You can do something about it

SLIDE 4:
Smoke Safely
-	Careless smoking is the leading cause of fire deaths among 
people ages 65 and older.

-	Careless smoking is the second leading cause of fire injuries 
among people ages 65 and older.

SLIDE 5:
Smoke Safely
-	If alcohol or medication makes you drowsy, or you're just plain 
tired, put your cigarette out right away.
-	Never smoke in bed.
-	Use deep ashtrays and put your cigarette all the way out.
-	Don't walk away from a lit cigarette.

SLIDE 6:
Cook Safely
-	Cooking is the leading cause of fire injuries for people ages 65 and 
older.
-	Cooking is the third leading cause of fire deaths for people ages 
65 and older.

SLIDE 7:
Cook Safely
-	Never leave cooking unattended. A serious fire can start in just 
seconds.
-	Always wear short or tight-fitting sleeves when you cook. Keep 
towels, pot holders and curtains away from flames.
-	Never use the range or oven to heat your home.
-	Double-check the kitchen before you go to bed or leave the house.

SLIDE 8:
Heat Your Home Safely
-	Heating is the second leading cause of fire death for people ages 
65 and older.
-	Fires caused by heating are the third leading cause of fire injury 
for people ages 65 and older.

SLIDE 9:
Heat Your Home Safely
-	Space heaters need space. Keep heaters at least three feet away 
from your bed, curtains, and flammable materials.
-	When buying a space heater, look for a control feature that 
automatically shuts off the power if the heater falls over.
-	Keep fire in the fireplace by making sure you have a screen large 
enough to catch flying sparks and rolling logs.

SLIDE 10:
Get Out Alive
-	Smoke Alarms: Install a smoke alarm on every level of your 
home, test batteries monthly and change them at least once a 
year.
-	Home Fire Escape Plan: Develop and practice a fire escape plan 
regularly, at least twice a year. Keep exits clear of debris.
-	Home Fire Sprinklers: If at all possible, install residential 
sprinklers in your home.

SLIDE 11:
For more fire prevention information, please contact:

Publications Office
United States Fire Administration
16825 South Seton Avenue
Emmitsburg, MD 21727
1-800-561-3356
www.usfa.DHS.gov/50Plus