Respect and care for your elders

Prince William County Department of Fire and Rescue
Published: May 12, 2008

May is Older Americans Month. It is a time when we acknowledge the contributions of older persons, in the past and present. It is a time when society celebrates a group of individuals we value as one of our greatest assets and resources. Their knowledge of cultures, values and life experiences are not only shared but transferred to generations for years to come while enhancing our communities and personal lives along the way.

Older Americans are at greatest risk of dying in a fire. According to the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), usfa.dhs.gov, there are more than 900 Americans age 65 and older that die annually in fires. That rate becomes increasingly higher, five times greater than the rest of the population, for individuals 85 years and older.

Older individuals are at risk for fire-related deaths and injuries for several reasons:

• They may be less able to take the quick action necessary in a fire emergency.

• They may be on medication that affects their ability to make quick decisions.

• Many older people live alone and when accidents happen others may not be around to help.

There are certain fire hazards that affect older individuals:

• Unsafe use of smoking materials

• Heating with alternate heaters

• Faulty wiring in older homes

Firesafety.gov suggests the following precautionary steps seniors can take:

• Make and practice an escape plan

• Consider sleeping on the ground floor for an easier escape

• Keep a phone and emergency numbers nearby to call for help

• Never smoke in bed

• Keep space heaters at least 3 feet from beds, blankets, furniture, and curtains

• Have an electrician check your home's wiring every 10 years; never overload outlets or extension cords

• If you have a disability, are hard of hearing, or have vision problems, ask emergency providers to keep your special needs information on file.

Two additional and important facts:

• Practice a home escape plan frequently

• Have a working smoke alarm on each level of your home and preferably outside of each sleeping area; if you're hearing-impaired, install smoke alarms with flashing lights or vibrating signals.

Smoke alarms dramatically increase your chances of surviving the fire. If you need smoke alarms or you would like to have your current smoke alarms tested, contact the Prince William County Department of Fire and Rescue, http://www.pwcgov.org/fire, at 703-792-6800.

The Prince William County Department of Fire and Rescue would like to acknowledge our dedication to and support of our senior population and Older Americans Month in an effort to continue "Working Together for Strong, Healthy and Supportive Communities."

This column is provided by the Prince William County Department of Fire and Rescue's Community Relations Team. Send questions or comments to DFR Responding to You, 9250 Lee Ave., Manassas VA 20110 or via e-mail to .