Let’s Retire Fire
A Factsheet for Older Americans
he facts speak for themselves: Americans over the age of 65 are one of the groups at greatest 
risk of dying in a ire. On average, more than 900 Americans age 65 and over die in ires. 
People over the age of 85 die in ires at a rate ive times higher than the rest of the population. 
However, there are a number of precautionary steps older Americans can take to dramatically 
T T
reduce their chances of becoming a ire casualty.
recommended fuel for each heater. 
UNDERSTANDING THE RISKS
Do not use electric space heaters in 
the bathroom or around other wet 
W  A  O  hy  re  lder   P  eOPle    
areas. Do not dry or store objects on 
At   r ?  isk
top of your heater. Keep combustibles 
Older Americans are at risk for ire 
away from heat sources. 
death and injuries for a number of 
•   Smoking.   Don’t leave smoking 
reasons:
materials unattended. Use “safety 
• They may be less able to take the 
ashtrays” with wide lips. Empty all 
quick action necessary in a ire 
ashtrays into the toilet or a metal 
emergency. 
container every night before going to 
bed. Never smoke in bed. 
• They may be on medication that 
affects their ability to make quick 
Finally, having a working smoke alarm 
decisions. 
dramatically increases your chances 
of surviving a ire. And remember to 
• Many older people live alone and   wiring problems, ranging from 
practice a home escape plan frequently 
when accidents happen others may   old appliances with bad wiring to 
with your family.
not be around to help.   overloaded sockets. 
SAFETY TIPS FOR OLDER 
W  hAt   F  h ?  ire  AzArds   A  FFect   
AMERICANS
O  lder   P  eOPle
•   Kitchen Fires.   Most kitchen ires occur 
• Cooking accidents are the leading 
because food is left unattended on 
cause of ire related injuries for 
the stove or in the oven. If you must 
older Americans. The kitchen is one 
leave the kitchen while cooking, take 
of the most active and potentially 
a spoon or potholder with you to 
dangerous rooms in the home. 
For more information contact:
remind you to return to the kitchen. 
• The unsafe use of smoking materials   The U. S. Fire Administration
Never cook with loose, dangling 
is the leading cause of ire deaths   16825 South Seton Avenue
sleeves that can ignite easily. Heat 
among older Americans.   Emmitsburg, MD 21727
cooking oils gradually and use extra 
caution when deep-frying. If a ire   or
• Heating equipment is responsible for 
breaks out in a pan, put a lid on the   Visit the USFA Web site: 
a big share of ires in seniors’ homes. 
pan. Never throw water on a grease   www.usfa.fema.gov
Extra caution should be used with 
ire. Never use a range or stove to 
alternate heaters such as wood stoves 
heat your home. 
or electric space heaters. 
•   Space Heaters.   Buy only Underwriter’s 
• Faulty wiring is another major 
Laboratory (UL) approved heaters. 
cause of ires affecting the elderly. 
Use only the manufacturer’s   Homeland
Older homes can have serious 
Security
March 2006

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