• They may be less able to take quick action necessary in a fire emergency.
• Often, they are 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.

Cooking accidents are the leading cause of fire related injuries for older Americans. The kitchen is one of the most active and potentially dangerous rooms in the home. Cooking can mean danger where a loose sleeve could catch fire from the stove, or a pot left on a burner can become a major fire if forgotten.

• Wear tight fitting sleeves when cooking. Loose sleeves, flowing robes, or frilly aprons might touch the burner and catch fire.
• Cool a burn. For first aid, run cool tap water over a burn. Never use butter or salve, which only traps the heat inside the skin.
• Stay in the kitchen when frying foods. If you have to leave the kitchen, set a timer or carry a pot holder with you as a reminder to the burner off.
• Check electrical appliances. Check the plugs and cords of all electrical appliances for wear. Replace worn appliances, the peace of mind will be worth it.

The unsafe use of smoking materials is another significant cause of fire deaths among older Americans.

• Keep smoking materials away from anything that can burn (i.e., mattresses, bedding, upholstered furniture, draperies, etc.).
• Never smoke in bed when drowsy, medicated or intoxicated as this could lead to falling asleep with a lighted cigarette.
• Use large, deep, non-tip ashtrays to prevent ashes from spilling onto furniture and check them frequently. Do not rest ashtrays on sofas or chairs.

Heating equipment is responsible for a big share of fires in seniors' homes. Extra caution should be used with with alternate heaters such as wood stoves or electric space heaters. Too often the heaters become a fire hazard, particularly when newspapers and other combustibles are nearby.

• Space heaters need space. Be extra careful if you use space heaters to keep your home warm. To be warm and safe give all space heaters at least 36" of clear air on all sides.
• Portable space heaters should be turned off every time you leave a room or go to bed.
• For wood or coal stoves or fireplaces, have a professional inspect the chimney, chimney connector and other related equipment every year, and have them cleaned as often as the inspections indicate.
• When turning a heating device on or off, follow the manufacturer's instructions. When buying heaters, choose devices with automatic shut-off features.

With some early planning, you can take care of yourself during a home fire. Use smoke detectors. Most fatal fires at home happen while people are asleep. Properly maintained smoke detectors are always on the alert. Make sure you have a smoke detector near every sleeping area and on every level of your home. Suggest a smoke detector the next time you are asked about a gift idea. Ask a friend or relative to assist you with the instillation. Test your smoke detector at least monthly and replace the battery twice a year when you change your clocks.

You're responsible for taking care of yourself and you can influence many other people such as your family, your neighbors, and your friends. Persuade them to follow these simple steps to safety. Hundreds of people have saved their own life or the life of someone else by following these simple steps. Know how to take care of yourself and persuade others to be more fire safe.