The Fire Service is committed to safeguarding people and their property throughout Western

Australia from the threat of fire and other hazards, and recommend the following actions and precautions. Seniors are at a higher risk from fire in the home, than other groups in the community, for obvious reasons :-

• Hearing and sight impairments.
• Decreased mobility.
• Lack of assistance and support.
• Many seniors live alone.
• Medications may affect the activities of seniors.

For many reasons , seniors must improve their chances by taking a few simple actions and precautions. These precautions are inexpensive, mostly common sense, easy to implement and may be vital for survival :

INSTALL AND MAINTAIN SMOKE ALARMS.

• Most people who die in fires are firstly overcome by smoke and toxic fumes. A smoke alarm will give an early warning of fire and provide valuable extra time to exit a building.
• Battery operated smoke alarms are easy to install - they all come with instructions on how to install them and the recommended positions to install them. They are available from most hardware and department stores from as little as $10 each. This is a very small cost compared to the value of life and property they will help to protect. Smoke alarms have been compulsory in new housing for a number of years. So why not go ahead and install one today!
• Mains connected alarms with a battery back-up in case of power failure may also be installed by an electrician. These alarms may also be interlinked, one alarm will then set of other alarms in the same building.
• All alarms, battery or mains connected with battery back-up must be regularly maintained, which is a simple procedure. Test your alarm each month - make it the first day of the new month so you will remember - by using the test button clearly marked on all types of alarms. The test button may be pushed quite simply with the end of a broom handle so there is no need for you to stand on a chair! Be prepared for the alarm to be very noisy while the test button is pushed (they need to be noisy to wake you up while you are asleep)
• Most importantly, replace the battery at least once a year. The national day for changing batteries is April the 1st. April fool’s day ( don’t be a fool - change your alarm battery ) Batteries are a very small cost compared to lost life or property, so change them every year even if you don’t think they need’s changing!

TAKE CARE WITH HEATING OF ALL TYPES.

Home heating is a major cause of domestic fires. All types of heaters should be used in accordance with the manufactures instructions. Heaters should not be modified or used if damaged in any way. If in doubt - get an expert to check it out.

• Electrical room heaters should be checked once a year before the cooler season to ensure there are no worn flexes or dangerous plugs. These should be replaced by an electrician before the heater is used. Power points must not be overloaded - a good rule is one point -one plug. Only replace a blown fuse wire with the correct size fuse wire. Never double up fuse wire! Nowadays double adaptors are not suitable for use any more - a double power point is better, more convenient for you and safer.
• Before using wood heaters and open fires before their first use and during the winter season, flues should be cleaned. Open fires should be guarded with a fine mesh screen and put out before going to bed. Combustible materials, should be kept well away from the fire. Other types of heaters should be well screened. Never put clothes to dry over oil filled or other types of heaters.
• Bar heaters should not be used or should be fixed to the wall in a suitable location away from furniture and combustible materials.

TAKE CARE WHEN COOKING .

Many domestic fires start in the kitchen.

• Avoid burns from splattering fat. Heat cooking oil gradually and take extra care when cooking deep fried food.

• Never throw water on burning fat - it will explode out of the pot and cause the fire to spread. Keep a fire extinguisher suitable for oil and electrical fires in a suitable position, but not near cooking equipment, where you can get to it quickly in the case of a fire in the kitchen. These extinguishers are not expensive and can be bought from most hardware stores. Place a suitable lid on a bench away from the stove. This lid could be used to smother a burning fat fire by placing it carefully over the burning pot. Alternatively consider buying a fire blanket and also keep it in a suitable position where it can be quickly used. Consider showing friends and neighbours where you keep your fire extinguisher and fire blanket so that they also know where to look in an emergency.
• Turn all saucepan handles inwards.
• Keep tea towels and paper towels away from cooking burners, heater elements and avoid wearing loose clothes with dangling sleeves when cooking - these can catch fire easily.
• On a slippery floor in a kitchen, place a non slip mat in front of the stove to avoid accidents.
• If you leave the kitchen while cooking, turn off the elements or burners on the stove.

TAKE CARE WHEN SMOKING.

• Never smoke in bed.

• If you feel drowsy while reading, watching TV etc. put out you cigarette. Take care if you are taking medication which may make you drowsy.

Large deep ashtrays with wide rims are better and safer. Avoid resting them on the arms of armchairs or where they could be dislodged. Do not over fill ashtrays and be sure contents are extinguished before disposing of them. If unsure - dampen the contents.

TAKE CARE WITH ELECTRIC BLANKETS.

Electric blankets must be used properly and in accordance with the manufactures instructions.

• Blankets must be inspected when used for the first time before the cooler season and periodically during use for damage. Damaged or faulty blankets must not be used. Electrical cords and plugs should be inspected for damage.
• The blanket should be turned on sometime before going to bed, and then turned off before retiring - never sleep on a blanket that is left turned on.
• Always store blankets hanging up, rather than folded, or in accordance with the manufactures storage instructions.
• Electric blankets are not suitable for people suffering from incontinence.
• Do not stick pin’s or other sharp items into blankets or bed coverings over blankets.
• Blankets should be switched off while you are out of the house.

GETTING OUT OF YOUR HOUSE IN AN EMERGENCY.

IN AN EMERGENCY IT IS VITAL THAT ALL RESIDENTS ARE PREPARED TO GET OUT OF THE HOUSE QUICKLY AND SAFELY. SO BE PREPARED BEFOREHAND.

• THE MAJORITY OF FIRES OCCUR BETWEEN MIDNIGHT AND 8 AM.
• Identify more than one way out of every room in your house, remember you may have to do it in the dark or in smoke. So practice the best way to get out. Smoke and heat will rise so try crawling with your eyes closed and find your nearest exit. This may help you if the worst happens and you need to do it in a real emergency.
• If your bedroom is on the second floor and it will be a problem getting out, consider moving your bedroom to the ground floor.
• If you use a wheel chair, walking frame or walking aid, be sure that all exit route’s are kept clear at all times day and night. Always keep passage way’s clear at all times. Make sure you have an easy escape route.
• It’s a good idea to be sure that all windows and security screens can be easily opened from the inside and keys kept close by locks when at home.
• Keep your glasses, mobile phone, a good torch, near your bedside phone at night while asleep. Talk to your household members, relatives, friends and neighbours about your escape plans. Visitors, especially children, should know what to do in the event of a fire.

• In multi-accommodation buildings, find out where the fire alarm “break glass” boxes are located. Memorise the exit route from your room to the outside of the building. In case of a fire in a multi-story building, don’t use the lift.

DEALING WITH A FIRE.

Assist or alert any people in danger, but only if safe to do so. ( Use the “break glass” fire alarm if fitted to the building.)

• Alert the Fire Service - DIAL 000
• If unable to easily put out the fire, close the door to the room on fire
• Smoke rises, so the cleanest air to breath will be close to the floor. If asleep when alerted and the room is full of smoke, roll out of bed onto the floor rather than standing up, keep low or crawl if necessary to the nearest safe exit.
• If you need to pass through a closed door, carefully feel the door before opening it. If it is hot to touch, do not open it but use another way to get out.
• Leave your home and call the Fire Service - DIAL 000 Give the following details :

1. House number.
2. Street name
3. Suburb
4. Nearest cross street or intersection
5. Your name and any other relevant information that will make it easy for the Fire Service to find the correct address - your house, especially if it is hard to find. The operator on the emergency call will ask you for these details.

• Alert you neighbours as necessary.
• Assemble at the pre-arranged assembly area and do not leave. Take instructions from persons in authority, Police, Fire Service personnel, nursing home administration etc.

DO NOT RE-ENTER A BURNING BUILDING UNDER ANY CIRCUMSTANCES.

CHECK THAT EVERYONE IN THE HOME HAS BEEN ABLE TO GET OUT, AND WAIT FOR THE FIRE SERVICE TO ATTEND.

ALWAYS REMEMBER - SMOKE ALARMS SAVE LIVES