1. Remembering When Helping Older Adults Live Safely at Home

2. Home Structure Fire Civilian Deaths & Injuries, by Age Group: 2007-2011 Annual Average
Older adults face a higher risk of dying in home fires than do young people.
To prevent fire deaths and injuries, it is necessary to know something about the victims and fire causes. Age data can be helpful when considering how to reach people. In 2009 (the midpoint of the five-year range of ), people 65 and over made up only 13% of the U.S. population, but they accounted for 30% of the home fire deaths. (See Figure 7.) Children under 14 account for 20% of the population and 15% of the fire deaths.
The trend begins to with the previous age group: year olds: 18% of the population accounting for 25% of the home fire deaths.
This representation is made clear by the wide space between the silver bar (population) and the blue bar (fire deaths). A high blue bar along with a wide space between blue and silver shows a disproportionate amount of fire deaths compared to population.
Possible questions to ask to enhance engagement:
If you could take action to reduce your risk of being injured in a home fire, would you?
Older adults face a higher risk of dying in home fires than do young people.
In 2011, people 65 and over made up only 13% of the U.S. population, but they accounted for 30% of the home fire deaths.

3. Unintentional Fall Death Rates by Age
Falls are leading cause of unintentional injury death among adults 65+ years (2010)
Fall death rate per 100,000 population
CDC: at least 25,000 older adults die as a result of falls. – and the related deaths among older adults in the US has been rising steadily over the past decade
Age group
Source: CDC WISQARS

4. Nonfatal fall injuries by Age & Sex – 2010
Falls are leading cause of unintentional nonfatal injury among adults 65+ years.
(2010)
Nonfatal fall injury rate per 100,000 population
Age group
Source: CDC WISQARS

5. Fire & Fall Prevention Messages
Participants have full program binders to refer to. No additional handouts needed. Also – Keep in mind participants were asked to arrive with a good understanding of the messages. This SHOULD not be brand new information for them.
Brad Dykens should be bringing a prop box for us to use during the conference.

6. Fire Prevention Messages
We are going to share the messages the way we would if you were a senior attending a group presentation.
Remembering When messages have been selected by means of research and expert feedback. Please use the messages with fidelity.
For more information about educational messaging from NFPA, please refer to the NFPA Educational Messages Handbook at
The EMAC Desk Reference is a helpful tool for fire educators.

7. If you smoke, smoke outside.
Fire Message #1
Use deep, sturdy ashtrays.
Wet cigarette butts and ashes before throwing them out.
Never smoke in bed.
Never smoke if medical oxygen is used in the home.
Additional Messaging:
You can also dispose of cigarette butts by burying them in the sand.
Possible questions to ask to enhance engagement:
If you live with a smoker, how can you convince her or him to smoke outside?
Why is it dangerous to smoke in bed?
MEDICAL OXYGEN: 7% of smokers whose smoking started reported home fires were on oxygen
(USFA’s and NFPA’s 2006 Behavioral Mitigation of Smoking Fires)
Oxygen equipment was involved in
220 reported home fires per year in
77 associated deaths per year
One of every three such fires resulted in death
1,200 ER visits per year for burns
( NEISS data)
In : 46% of all fatal home smoking material victims were 65 or older Leading cause of older adult home fire death
Is it easy to convince a smoker to smoke outside?

8. Give space heaters space.
Fire Message #2
Keep heaters at least three feet away from anything that can burn – including you.
Shut off and unplug heaters when you leave or go to bed.
Additional Messaging:
Always plug space heaters directly into a wall outlet, and never into an extension cord or power strip.
Possible questions to ask to enhance engagement:
What are some items that typically might be too close to a space heater? (curtains, newspapers, shoes / clothing on the floor…)
Fixed and portable space heaters
Includes wood stoves, excludes fireplaces and chimneys
33% of heating equipment fires
81% of heating fire deaths
70% of associated injuries
Combustibles too close caused 53% of heating fire deaths
What are some items that might be left too close to a space heater?

9. Stay in the kitchen when frying food.
Fire Message #3
Never leave cooking unattended.
Wear short or form-fitting sleeves when cooking.
Use oven mitts to handle hot pans.
If a pan of food catches fire, slide a lid over it and turn off the burner.
Don’t cook if you are drowsy from alcohol or medication.
Additional Messaging:
If you leave the kitchen, even for a short time, turn off the burner.
Use a timer when cooking.
HELPFUL HINT: If you are cooking on the stovetop and leave the room, take a timer, oven mitt, or wooden spoon as a reminder that you have something cooking.
Do not cook when taking a new medication until you know how it will affect you.
Use lightweight, manageable pans.
Possible questions to ask to enhance engagement:
Raise your hand if you are wear a top that is appropriate to cook in….
Raise you hand if your outfit is NOT appropriate to wear when using the stove….
15% of older adult cooking fatalities were sleeping at time of fire
46% of victims were sleeping
One in four older adult cooking victims were described as unable to act
Older adults were less likely to fight cooking fires than other adults
(USFA’s and NFPA’s 2007 report Behavioral Mitigation of Cooking Fires Through Strategies Based on Statistical Analysis)
Unattended equipment is leading factor
Frying is most common scenario

10. Stop, Drop, & Roll.
Fire Message #4
STOP
DROP
If your clothes catch on fire: Stop (don’t run), Drop gently to the ground, and cover your face with your hands.
Roll over and over or back and forth to put out the fire.
Use cool water for 3 to 5 minutes to cool a burn.
Get medical help right away.
and ROLL….Over and Over
Additional Messaging:
If you cannot drop and roll, keep a blanket or towel nearby to smother flames.
If you use a wheelchair, scooter, or other device and are able to get to the floor, lock the device first before getting out and then roll until the flames are out.
If you are a bystander, consider grabbing a rug, blanket, or fire blanket to help extinguish the flames
Serious burns require medical help. Burns that blister are serious
Call 911 if:
Burns cover more than 10% of the body’s surface area
Burns are on the face or genitals
Burns completely encircle the hands or feet
Possible questions to ask to enhance engagement:
Why does Stop, Drop, and Roll work? (Fire needs oxygen; Removing the O2 help to smother the flames)
Why is it dangerous to run or to fan a fire? (Adds MORE oxygen and feeds the fire)
Why does SDR work?

11. Smoke alarms save lives.
Fire Message #5
Install smoke alarms on every level of your home, in each bedroom, and outside each sleeping area.
Interconnected alarms are the best option. When one sounds they all sound.
Make sure everyone can hear the smoke alarms.
Have someone test your smoke alarms once a month.
Additional Messaging:
Make sure everyone in your home can hear the smoke alarms.
If you are hard of hearing or remove your hearing aids to sleep, consider purchasing a strobe alarm and/or bed shaker.
Install carbon monoxide alarms outside each sleeping area and on every level of the home.
Replace all alarms that are 10 year old or older.
Possible questions to ask to enhance engagement:
Raise your hand if you tested your smoke alarm yesterday… Last week? Last month? (Give a little prize to the first person to raise her / his hand)
What strategy do you use to remind yourself to test the smoke alarm?
What sound does a smoke alarm make?
Are you SURE you your alarm is loud enough to wake you from sleep?
At least one smoke alarm operated in 46% of older adult deaths in
Bruck: High frequency hearing loss
Operated in more than half of the deaths in which physical disability played a role
What strategy do you use to remind yourself to test the smoke alarm?

12. Plan and practice your escape from fire.
Fire Message #6
If possible, know two ways out of every room in your home and two ways out of the home.
Make sure windows and doors open easily.
If the alarm sounds, get outside and stay outside.
Additional Messaging:
If the smoke alarms sounds, go to your pre-arranged meeting place.
The meeting place should be a permanent object that can be seen easily by arriving rescuers.
Possible questions to ask to enhance engagement:
Has anyone practiced her or his escape plan recently? Tell us about it….
How long will it take you to exit your home? (Know that you may have as little as 2 minutes after the alarm sounds to exit. Practicing the plan is critical!)

13. Know your local emergency number.
Fire Message #7
It may be or the fire department’s phone number.
Once you have escaped a fire, call the fire department from a neighbor’s phone or a mobile phone.
Additional Messaging:
In case of a medical emergency, have other emergency contact numbers (neighbor, family member) near the phone to call for assistance while waiting for first responders to arrive.
Possible questions to ask to enhance engagement:
What is the risk of calling the emergency number before you escape the home?
Why is it important to escape first and then call for help?

14. Plan your escape around your abilities.
Fire Message #8
Plan your escape around your abilities.
Have a telephone in your bedroom in case you are trapped by smoke or fire.
Have other necessary items near your bed, such as a list of medications, glasses, walker, scooter, or cane.
Additional Messaging:
Consider subscribing to a medical alert system, which will provide you with a button you wear around your neck or wrist. If you have an emergency, just push the button and the service will send emergency responders.
Possible questions to ask to enhance engagement:
If you cannot escape and you are trapped in your bedroom (or any other room), what can you do to stay safe while waiting for emergency responders?
(Call 911 or emergency number immediately, hang a sheet or towel out a window to alert fire fighters of your location, stuff a towel under door jam to prevent smoke from entering…)

15. Questions about the Fire Messages?
Let’s Review:
What is the preferred message about smoking?
Name some items that should be kept near the bedside…
Share a tip you might give to help folks if they need to leave the stove while cooking…
Why is it worthwhile to share fire safety messages with older adults?

16. Preventable Injuries in Older Adults: Falls
Falls are the most common cause of nonfatal injuries and hospital admissions for trauma.
In 2010, 2.3 million nonfatal fall injuries among older adults were treated in emergency departments and more than 662,000 of these patients were hospitalized.
A Vicious Cycle:
A fall tends to increase an older adult’s fear of falling. This fear can lead to a decrease in activity. This leads to reduced mobility and fitness which, in turn, increases the risk of falling again.
Many people who fall, even if they are not injured, develop a fear of falling. This fear may cause them to limit their activities, which leads to reduced mobility and loss of physical fitness, and in turn increases their actual risk of falling. (CDC)
TBI = Traumatic Brain Injury (Clarify for audience)
Provide a reminder that Falls are an example of “Preventable” injuries….usually they are not truly “accidents”. This program is about sharing information and skills that can help older adults reduce the risk of experiencing injury related to falls.
Possible questions to ask to enhance engagement:
If you could take action to reduce your risk of falling, would you?

17. Fall Prevention Messages
We are going to share the messages the way we would if you were a senior attending a group presentation.
Remembering When messages have been selected by means of research and expert feedback. Please use the messages with fidelity.
For more information about educational messaging from NFPA, please refer to the NFPA Educational Messages Handbook at
The EMAC Desk Reference is a helpful tool for fire educators.

18. Fall Message #1
Exercise Regularly.
Exercise builds strength and improves your coordination and balance.
Tai Chi is an exercise that has been proven to help reduce fall risk.
Ask your doctor about the best physical exercise for you.
Additional Speaking Points:
Group exercise can also help you maintain your social health.
Free Resource:
Exercise : A Guide from the National Institute on Aging Free Exercise Guide: \ (800)
Possible questions to ask to enhance engagement:
What types of exercise do you enjoy?
Has anyone tried the video game fitness programs such as Wii fit?

19. What’s the strangest thing you’ve ever tripped over in your home?
Take your time.
Fall Message #2
Get out of chairs slowly.
Sit a moment before you get out of your bed.
Stand and get your balance before you walk.
Be aware of your surroundings.
Additonal Comments:
Fall hazards might be electrical cords, magazines or newspapers, or even pets. Look for possible hazards (Be aware of surroundings).
Possible questions to ask to enhance engagement:
What are the benefits of taking a moment to sit before rising when you get out of bed?
What’s the strangest thing you’ve ever tripped over in your home? Could that incident have been prevented?
What’s the strangest thing you’ve ever tripped over in your home?

20. Keep walking areas & stairs clear
Fall Message #3
Keep walking areas & stairs clear
Be sure to remove:
electrical cords
shoes
clothing
books & magazines
other clutter.
Additional comments:
Be CAREFUL where clearing stairs of clutter – Don’t get hurt trying to be safer!
Possible questions to ask to enhance engagement:
How can you get the other members of your household to help keep the stairs clear?
How can you get your housemates to help keep the stairs clear?

21. Improve the lighting around your home
Fall Message #4
Improve the lighting around your home
Use night lights to light the path between your bedroom and bathroom.
Turn on the lights before using the stairs.
See an eye specialist once a year.
ADDITIONAL MESSAGING:
Poor vision can increase your chance of falling.
Keep flashlights or battery-operated lanterns close by. Camping head lanterns are a good idea, as well.
Make sure outdoor walkways are brightly lit at night.
Possible questions to ask to enhance engagement:
Raise your hand if you have any motion sensor lighting outside your home…. What prompted this? Discuss multiple benefits… (theft deterrent, easy lighting, efficiency…)
Why do some people opt to wander around the house in the dark at night rather than using appropriate lighting? Is this a good idea?
Shout out if you have motion sensor lighting outside your home.

22. Use non-slip mats in the bathtub.
Fall Message #5
Use non-slip mats in the bathtub.
Use non-slip mats on shower floors.
Have grab bars installed on the wall in the tub and shower and next to the toilet.
Wipe up spills immediately.
Did anyone recently remodel a bathroom?
Did you install grab bars in the shower?
ADDITIONAL MESSAGING:
Wipe up spilled liquids immediately
Keep bathroom floor dry
Possible questions to ask to enhance engagement:
Has anyone recently remodeled a bathroom at home? Did you install grab bars? A

23. Be aware of uneven surfaces around the home
Fall Message #6
Throw rugs must have rubber, non-skid backing.
Smooth out wrinkles and folds in carpeting.
Be aware of uneven sidewalks and pavement outdoors.
Ask a friend to clear ice and snow from stairs and walkways.
Use handrails when available.
ADDITIONAL MESSAGING:
Make sure indoor flooring is safe.
Consider non-skid pads under rugs.
Ask a family member, a friend, or a neighbor to clear ice and snow from outdoor stairs and walkways.
Always use hand rails, if available, and step carefully.
Don’t assume an outdoor path is safe just because you use it frequently. Be aware of cracks, bumps, or holes around footing.
Possible questions to ask to enhance engagement:
Has anyone ever slid on a throw rug in the home? How can you prevent this in the future? A

24. Stairways should be well lit.
Fall Message #7
Stairways should be well lit.
Stairways should be well lit from both top and bottom.
Have easy-to-grip handrails installed along the full length of both sides of the stairs.
Additional Comments:
Many stair ways have railings on only one side. Consider have an additional railing installed if this is the case in your home.
Possible questions to ask to enhance engagement:
Think about the fall messages we’ve talked about so far. Which messages can we combine to help make stairways safer? (Take your time, Be aware of uneven surfaces, Keep walking areas clear…)
Which other fall messages help make stairways safer?

25. Wear sturdy, well-fitting shoes
Fall Message #8
Wear sturdy, well-fitting shoes
Low-heeled shoes with non-slip soles are the best.
These are safer than high heels, thick-soled athletic shoes, slippers, or stocking feet.
Additional Comments:
Sturdy shoes can help make it easier to walk on less-than-ideal ground.
Choose safety over fashion.
Possible questions to ask to enhance engagement:
Do we have to give up style for safety? Who has a pair of shoes on that are both sturdy and stylish? Show them off!

26. Questions about the Falls Messages?
Let’s Review:
Name one change you can make in your own home to reduce your risk of falling.
Why does regular exercise reduce one’s risk of being injured in a fall?
Why is our fall prevention program targeted at folks age 65 and over?