Fire Safety for Seniors at Home: A Practical Checklist for Brooklyn Families

Fire Prevention Week occurs during the week of Oct. 4-10. As a result, this would be a perfect opportunity for you to take time to go over your elderly parent’s house with new eyes.

As the FDNY has noted, adults 65 years of age and above have a higher rate of death due to residential fires compared to the general public. This includes a slower response time; decreased ability to move; impaired sense of sight and/or hearing; as well as decreased cognitive function which could add to their difficulty escaping a fire. Fortunately, nearly all of the things that help to protect these senior citizens will cost very little money and several can be accomplished in an afternoon.

1. Start With Working Alarms

The Fire Department of New York reports that having an operational smoke detector may reduce the number of deaths from fires by fifty percent. Therefore, this is the first most important action you can take.

1. You need smoke and carbon monoxide (CO) detectors. Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Detectors are not interchangeable, and combination smoke/Carbon Monoxide Detectors will detect both.
2. Choose detectors which come equipped with sealed 10 year batteries. The FDNY has recommended this type of battery for all new and replacement detectors. Sealed 10 Year Batteries can not be removed, so there is less chance of forgetting to replace the battery.
3. Install detectors as necessary. You must install smoke and CO detectors on each level of your residence, including Basements, and also in each sleeping area. It is best to mount them either on the ceiling, or at least high enough up on a wall.
4. Check your detectors. Check your detectors frequently by pressing the “TEST” button. Also if your detectors require removing the batteries, then remove and replace the batteries twice a year. The FDNY also recommends checking your batteries when the time changes, i.e., now that the time changed this past weekend.
5. Replace your old detectors. All smoke and CO detectors should be replaced after ten years, or when your detector signals that its life has ended.
6. Modify detectors for hearing loss. Special detectors designed for those who are hard of hearing or deaf exist, and include features such as strobe lights and vibrating bed shakers.

If your family member rents his/her apartment or house, landlords in New York City generally have legal obligations to provide smoke and CO detectors in almost all rental properties. Contact your landlord about any missing or non-operational detectors, or contact 311.

2. Charge Safely: This Year’s Fire Prevention Week Theme

This year’s national fire safety campaign “Charge Into Fire Safety,” which emphasizes safe battery charging as a super power. The focus of this campaign is on Lithium Ion Batteries (LIBs), which are contained in nearly all mobile electronic devices including phones, tablets, laptop computers, power tools; and to some extent the mobility scooters, electric wheel chairs and e-bike mobility aids used by many seniors in New York City. LIBs can become unsafe when they are damaged or charged improperly. Damaged or improperly charged LIBs can experience overheating, ignite, or even explode.

Some ways to ensure safe charging practices for LIBs according to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) include:

1. Only use the original charger supplied with your device. Or, you may purchase an approved charger from the manufacturer.
2. Charging should take place on a firm, flat surface. Avoid surfaces such as mattresses, couch cushions, or pillows, since heat will tend to accumulate on these soft surfaces.
3. Once your device has been completely charged, unplug it.
4. If your device becomes extremely hot, swells, begins to smoke, or produces an unusual odor, immediately stop using it.
5. For larger devices such as e-bikes and mobility scooters, charge at least six feet away from any exit. The NFPA recommends that LIBs be charged outdoors. However, if this cannot occur within an apartment setting, select a location that is removed from doors and sleeping areas. Additionally, do not charge LIBs during hours when residents are asleep.

When purchasing new LIBs, make sure you purchase them from reputable vendors. Do not use damaged LIBs nor attempt to create your own LIBs.

3. Make the Kitchen Safer

Cooking can be one of the most common causes of fires in homes. However, there are many small things that you can do to make cooking safer.

• Do not let your eyes wander while using a stovetop burner (heat).
• When cooking, wear clothing with sleeves no longer than your hands (short or tight-fitting) so they won’t catch on anything hanging above your head.
• Be sure to remove any loose items such as towels, paper, etc., near the burners on the stovetop.
• Consider purchasing a timer for the stove and/or look into purchasing a stove that automatically shuts down when you walk away due to a safety issue associated with memory loss or distractions.
• If you experience a small pan fire on the stovetop, use a lid to cover the top of the pan and smother the flames. Turn off the heat under the pan and do NOT touch the pan until it has cooled.

Clear out all clutter from inside your microwave and toaster oven. Also, please DO NOT place metal objects in your microwave.

4. Heat the Home Safely as the Weather Turns

Heating in cold weather is a fire and carbon monoxide risk as temperatures drop.

• Do not heat your home by using a stove or oven. City guidance for using gas stoves, ovens, charcoal grills, or any fuel-burning devices for heat are specifically prohibited.
• Keep space heaters away from flammable materials. Keep them at least three feet away from anything that can burn, plug directly into the wall (not an extension cord) and turn off when you leave the room or go to sleep.
• Check cords and outlets. Replace frayed cords. Do not overload power strips.
• Keep radiators and vents clear of blankets and furniture.

5. Use Candles, Smoking Materials, and Oxygen With Care

• Skip open flames when possible. Battery-operated candles look warm and carry no fire risk.
• If anyone smokes, use deep, sturdy ashtrays, never smoke in bed, and never smoke when drowsy or after taking medication that causes sleepiness.
• If medical oxygen is in use, keep it away from open flames, candles, stoves, heaters, and smoking. Post no-smoking signs and ask the oxygen supplier for specific safety instructions.

6. Make an Escape Plan That Fits Your Loved One

The standard fire drill assumes that all people will be able to leave their homes quickly. Older adults’ plans should reflect what is physically realistic for them.

• Know of 2 exits from every room; make sure those exits are free of clutter and cords, etc.
• If it’s safe, sleep near a door leading outside, or on the first floor (if possible).
• Place items you may need in an emergency within reach while lying in bed: telephone, glasses, hearing aids, walker/cane, keys.
• Do not use elevators during a fire. If your loved one cannot climb stairs, speak with the landlord/building manager to develop a plan.
• Let neighbors, the landlord/superintendent/manager, and/or building personnel know if there are any physical limitations so that they are aware of which person(s) would require assistance.
• If you cannot escape the fire, close the doors between yourself and the fire, dial 911 immediately and inform the operator precisely where you are located.
• Practice. Take a couple of minutes each year to walk through the plan as a family and at a comfortable pace.

7. Watch for Warning Signs at Home

Sometimes the earliest fire-safety signal isn’t a hazard, it’s a change in behavior. Pay attention to:

• Scorched pots or pans, or a smell of burning in the kitchen
• Stove burners left on
• Overloaded outlets or extension cords
• Piles of paper or clutter near heat sources
• Difficulty hearing alarms or reaching exits
• New memory lapses that affect cooking or safety

These don’t necessarily mean anything is wrong, but they’re a good reason to have a gentle conversation with your loved one and their doctor.

How a Caregiver Can Help

Regular support at home makes it easier to keep on top of safety. A caregiver can:

• Notice unsafe habits, like unattended cooking, and help with meal preparation
• Test alarms and report any problems to family
• Keep pathways clear and reduce clutter
• Support safe charging habits for scooters, phones, and other devices
• Practice the escape plan and help your loved one respond calmly in an emergency

You can learn more about everyday support at home on our Homecare Services page.

Quick Fire Safety Checklist

• Smoke and carbon monoxide detectors on each floor and near sleeping areas
• Tested for smoke/CO detection this month; replace battery as necessary
• Less than ten years old
• Chargers for scooters, wheelchairs, etc. placed safely
• Small appliance use (e.g., stove, toaster) monitored/supervised.
• Space heaters a minimum of three feet away from any flammable items
• Electrical cords are in good working order, electrical outlet(s) do not have excessive load
• A clear path exists to an escape route
• Items you may need in case of emergency (phone, glasses, walker), placed next to your bed
• Emergency phone numbers are listed near the phones, and informed of your mobility limitations by the neighbors/building management
• Escape Plan discussed and demonstrated

Frequently Asked Questions

1. How often should smoke alarms be tested?

   Test them regularly, and change removable batteries at least twice a year. Alarms with sealed 10-year batteries don’t need battery changes but should still be tested and replaced at the end of their life.

2. Where can seniors receive free smoke detectors in New York City

   The fire department of new york (FDNY), along with other organizations, provides smoke detectors as part of community-based programs. Since availability may vary, contact 311 for information about available programs or go to the FDNY web site for up-to-date information.

3. Can i safely leave a mobility scooter plugged in and charging overnight?

   Follow all of the manufacturer’s guidelines for charging your mobility scooter and always use the original charger. Do not charge near an exit or where people sleep. Never leave a charging mobility scooter unattended while everyone sleeps. Also, if your mobility scooter battery is damaged, swollen, or extremely hot, do not charge it any further.

4. What should I do if a device battery starts smoking?

   Get everyone outside; close the door behind you; call 911 from a safe location. Do not attempt to fight a lithium-ion battery fire.

5. What if my parent has dementia?

   Consider installing stove knob covers or automatic turn off devices; keep all matches and lighters inaccessible to your parents; schedule regular checks by someone to monitor the safety of your parents’ cooking/heating appliances.

Want an Extra Set of Eyes at Home?

Fire safety is one of those things that’s easy to put off until something happens. If you’re looking for support to help your loved one stay safe and comfortable at home, the team at Angel Care in Brooklyn is happy to talk through what might help.

This article is for general information only. For emergencies, call 911. For fire safety programs and guidance, contact the FDNY or your local fire department.