According to the Department of Homeland Security, each year more than 2,500 people die and 12,600 people are injured in home fires in the United States. Fortunately, fires can be prevented by following a few necessary and easy steps.
The following tips will help keep you and your home safe from fires:
- Place smoke detectors on every floor of the house
- Check smoke detector batteries once a month and have 9v batteries on hand
- Add a fire extinguisher to your home and check it to be sure it is in the green
- Check all exits to make sure wheelchairs and walkers can get through the doorways
- Make any necessary accommodations, such as installation of exit ramps, to facilitate an emergency escape
- Create an emergency escape plan and practice at least twice a year
- Make sure hallways and exits are free of clutter and rugs are taped down to avoid tripping
- If using a space heater, keep it at least 3 feet away from walls or curtains
For those that are homebound, call 311 to request smoke detectors or a fire extinguisher for your home. If you are mobile and have a fire extinguisher, contact your local fire department about refilling them when they are empty or expire.
For more information about these tips, visit our Facebook page and watch Nurse Kim’s video or click here.
