Home Fire Safety for Family and Friends of Older Adults When it
comes to fire, adults over age 65 are at greater risk than any
other group. Most fire deaths occur in the home and it is
important for older adults to know how to protect themselves. If
you have a relative, friend or neighbor in this high-risk group,
please take a few minutes to complete this fire safety check of
their home. Conduct the following safety checks: - Check that
there are working smoke alarms on every level of the home and in
sleeping areas. - Make sure the older person can hear the alarm
when it activates. If not, there are now a variety of smoke
alarms on the market that combine sound and light to alert those
with limited hearing that there is a fire in the home. - Check
that the smoke alarms have been tested. If not, test the smoke
alarm by pressing the alarm test button. If it is difficult to
reach, use a broom handle or ruler to test it. - Check that the
batteries have been changed within the past year. Batteries
should be replac