Seniors can protect themselves from the risks of fire by taking several precautionary steps.

Install Smoke Alarms Early warning is very important in allowing you time to escape from fire. They are cheap and easy to install. In some states they are now mandatory. If you do not have at least one smoke alarm in your home, buy one today. And change the batteries twice a year .

Make an Escape Plan

• Draw a plan of your home.
• Plan two ways out of every room, including bedrooms.
• Make special arrangements if you or someone in the home is frail or disabled.
• Be sure all locks can be unlocked quickly.
• If an escape path is from above the ground floor, make sure there is a safe way down.
• Choose a meeting place away from danger, preferably in the front of the property (a gate post, mailbox or particular tree).
• Practice your escape plan at least twice a year, not by walking or running, but by crawling low to reach safety. Practice starting in the bedroom, then again from other rooms.
• Keep a copy of your escape plan in a prominent place (a bulletin board or refrigerator door).

Ensure that everyone knows what to do in the event of fire

• Do not hesitate.
• Follow the escape plan.
• Crawl low under smoke.
• Test each door using the back of your hand (if it is hot do not open it, use another escape path). Do not grab the door handle.
• Close all doors as you go. This will slow the spread of fire and smoke.
• If you are trapped, stuff the cracks around doors to keep smoke out. Wait by a window and signal for help from there.
• Do not try to take possessions or pets. Just get out!
• Do not go back - no matter what!
• Call the fire department from the nearest phone AWAY from the building on fire.

Make sure you can unlock doors quickly It is essential that in an emergency you can quickly escape from your home. While you are at home make sure that keys are in or very close to each lock. Do not lock a door from the inside and place the key in another room.

Safe Cooking Never leave cooking food unattended. Wear clothes with tight-fitting sleeves. Set a kitchen timer to remind yourself to turn off burners and the oven. Keep stoves clear of clutter and built-up grease. Keep your appliances in good condition and have worn electrical plugs or cords replaced. If a pan catches fire, carefully slide a lid over it or smother it with baking soda. Do not throw water on the fire or use a water-based fire extinguisher. Water is more likely to spread the fire.

Safe Heating Keep anything that can burn at least three feet away from heaters. Make sure there is a screen to every open fire and any heater with a hot surface. You should insist that the heater you use, whether built-in or free-standing, complies with the appropriate standards and regulations (ask your supplier for details). Free-standing electric heaters should have a switch that turns the heater off if it falls over.

Safe Smoking If you or anyone else in your home smokes, provide large, deep and non-tipping ashtrays. Empty ashtrays often, wetting down the contents before disposing of them. When leaving a room, check cushions and furniture for smoldering butts and matches. NEVER smoke in bed or while you are on medication that could make you drowsy.

Visiting Children If children visit, remove all matches and lighters from their reach. Do not leave them unsupervised near fires or hot surfaces. Make sure all pot handles on the stove are turned away from the front of the stove. Do not leave hot irons unattended. If young children are regular visitors, use protective covers on unused electrical outlets.