Brenda Lyle – Florida Today
Q: Got any holiday fire safety tips for seniors?
A: The holidays are a cherished time for gathering with loved ones, celebrating traditions and creating memories. Yet, this time of year also brings increased fire risks. Holiday cooking, lighted decorations, candles and dry Christmas trees all increase the chance of accidental fires. Here are a few reminders to ensure a safe and festive holiday season. These fire prevention tips are designed specifically with older adults in mind.
In the Kitchen
The holidays often mean enjoyable time in the kitchen, cooking for family and friends. Yet cooking fires (especially during the holidays) remain a leading cause of home fires. So… never leave cooking unattended. If you step away, turn off burners and remove pots/pans from the heat sources. Set a kitchen timer as a reminder to check the stove and oven. Wear fitted clothes (not flouncy sleeves) while cooking. Keep a lightweight, easy-to-use fire extinguisher nearby, so small incidents don’t become major fires. And while a mess from an extinguisher is better than a fire, a “fire blanket” can help you avoid both. Preferred by many fire departments, these brightly wrapped fiberglass blankets come in handy consumer sizes and can be hung in the kitchen.
Candle Safety
Candles add ambiance to holiday settings, but they are also a leading cause of holiday fires. Popular battery-operated candles provide the same cozy glow without the risk of an open flame –and are great for those with forgetfulness or limited mobility. If you’re using traditional candles, extinguish them with a candle snuffer; blowing them out can spread sparks or splash hot wax.
Those Holiday Lights
Even the most beautiful holiday lights can pose a fire hazard. Before plugging in string lights, inspect them for signs of wear, like frayed wires, broken bulbs, or loose connections. Don’t overload outlets! Plugging too many lights into a single outlet can cause overheating—and a potential fire. Before going to bed or leaving the house, turn off all holiday lights. Setting a reminder or using an external device timer can be helpful. Got a thirsty live Christmas tree? Be sure to check the water level daily, or consider one of the gadgets that detects water levels or has an automatic watering system. Dry trees become a fire hazard.
Have you noticed that some of the items mentioned here might make good holiday gifts? Does your loved one have a fire extinguisher or fire blanket? Battery-operated candles or a candle snuffer? Water level monitor for the Christmas tree? Fire prevention is about thoughtful preparation, making it easy to create a festive, fire-free environment that allows everyone to celebrate in peace.
Brenda Lyle is a Certified Care Manager and Certified Dementia Practitioner with One Senior Place, Greater Orlando. One Senior Place is a marketplace for resources and provider of information, advice, care and on-site services for seniors and their families. Submit your questions to AskOSP@OneSeniorPlace.com. For immediate help, call 321-751-6771 or visit One Senior Place, The Experts in Aging.
