Plan Your Fire Escape for Older Adults
 
By EMS Captain Liz Murphy
August 9, 2024
 

People ages 65 and over have an increased risk of dying in a fire. Having physical or mental impairments, using chemical substances such as medicines and alcohol, and living with smokers or in substandard housing are some of the risk factors that make older adults more vulnerable to fire injury and death.

Make a fire escape plan around your abilities.

Think about your needs. Be sure to keep any aid devices near by and accessible to be able to grab them quickly as you leave.

FEMA recommends: If you use a walker or wheelchair, check all exits to be sure that you can go through the doorways.

Use the links below for further information from FEMA and a quick check list.

 
Hyperlinks: FEMA
 
Attachments:
Attachment escape_planning_older_adults_flyer.pdf  (187k)