Fire Prevention Tips for News Stories:
Fire Prevention and Home Fire Safety for Seniors

About 3,500 Americans die each year in fires and about 18,300 are injured. You can stop the fire before it starts. Use this fact sheet to learn how to prevent a fire in your home and know what to do if you have a fire.

Stop the fire before it starts:

• Fire can easily happen in the kitchen, so be extra careful when cooking. Remember not to leave food unattended and don’t wear loose clothing, like shirts with big sleeves, when cooking.
• Never use the stove or oven to heat your home.
• Double-check the kitchen to be sure the oven and all appliances are turned off before going to bed or leaving the house.
• Never smoke in bed.
• Replace mattresses made prior to the 2007 Federal Mattress Flammability Standard.
• Keep combustible materials, like drapes and clothing, at least three (3) feet away from your heater, because they can catch on fire.
• Never overload outlets or extension cords.

Be prepared for a fire:

• One of the best ways to protect yourself and your family is to have a working smoke alarm that can sound fast for both a fire that has flames, and a smoky fire that has fumes without flames. It is called a "Dual Sensor Smoke Alarm." A smoke alarm greatly reduces your chances of dying in a fire.
• Prepare an escape plan and practice it twice a year. Make sure everyone in your family knows at least two (2) escape routes from their bedrooms.

Visit www.usfa.fema.gov/50Plus to view the U.S. Fire Administration’s Fire Safety Campaign for Adults 50-Plus and to order campaign materials.

To learn more on how you can prevent fires and fire deaths, please contact your local fire department's office phone number (not 911) or visit www.usfa.fema.gov or www.ready.gov.