SPRINGFIELD, Ill. — Fire risk is higher for seniors.
The Illinois Fire Marshal’s Office stresses the importance of fire safety for the state’s older residents.
According to the U.S. Fire Administration, about 1,000 seniors die in home fires each year. Another 2,000 are injured.
Illinois Fire Marshal Spokesperson J-C Fultz said the leading cause of fire deaths for older Americans is careless smoking.
“If you are a smoker, it’s best to smoke outside, away from anything that can combust. Don’t smoke in bed. Don’t smoke if you’re tired,” Fultz said.
Fultz said another problem is people smoking near oxygen tanks, which should be kept at least five to 10 feet away from any heat source.
The State Fire Marshal’s Office urges senior citizens to keep glasses and phones next to their beds and to make sure they have a clear route to get out of the house in case of fire.
Fultz said smoke alarms can also be equipped with features to assist seniors with certain needs.
“If you’re hard of hearing, deaf or if you’re blind, there are ways that you can hear or be alerted. There are such things that can be plugged into these alarms that will shake your pillow, shake your bed. And, there are strobe lights that are available,” Fultz said.
In 2018, seniors accounted for 44% of all fire deaths in Illinois.
