From October 6th to the 12th, it’s National Fire Prevention Week. A lot of families talk about escaping a house that’s on fire. Have you discussed tips on preventing fires? You need to talk about these points with your entire family.
Declutter
Get rid of clutter so that there is ample floor space. As you declutter, you can look for lamp cords that are starting to fray. Check that no papers are stacked against a heat register or fireplace/wood stove. Get rid of clutter on top of an oven/range or other electrical appliance.
Stop Smoking Indoors
If anyone in the house smokes, it’s important to move cigarette breaks outside. If someone must smoke, have that cigarette outside on concrete or brick patio, driveway, or another surface that isn’t likely to catch fire if the cigarette falls.
Make Sure Space Heaters Have Three Feet of Space
If your parent uses a space heater for extra warmth on a very cold day, make sure it is three feet from walls, furniture, and other items in the home. If it’s not, move it to a space where it does have three feet of space.
It’s also a good idea to look for space heaters that automatically shut off if they are bumped or tipped. This is a good way to prevent accidental fires started by a dog or cat that runs past the heater and bumps it.
Stop Using Candles
Candles can make a room smell fantastic, but they’re a fire hazard. Stop using them. If lighting is needed in a power outage, a battery-operated lantern or flashlight is safer. You can freshen fabrics, carpeting, and rooms with a homemade air and fabric freshener.
To make one, of distilled water, plain vodka, and essential oils. To freshen carpets, sprinkle them with baking soda, let it sit for 30 minutes, and thoroughly vacuum.
Lock Matches and Lighters Away
Keep matches and lighters locked in a drawer. This keeps children from getting hold of them. It’s also a good way to keep a parent with dementia from using them.
Have Your Heating System Inspected and Cleaned
Your parent’s heating system should be cleaned once a year. During that time, the system needs to be inspected for issues. This inspection will cover the vent pipes leading outside of the home, exchanges, and other potential carbon monoxide or fire hazards.
Clean Your Dryer Vent When You Change Smoke Detector Batteries
Have you considered hiring senior care aides to be there for your parents? If you’re busy with work and your responsibilities, senior care services can make a big difference in your family’s lives. Call an agency to talk about the services that can help your mom and dad live independently without struggling to get daily activities completed.
If you or an aging loved one is considering senior care in Aurora, CO, please contact the caring staff at SYNERGY HomeCare Denver. Call today: (303) 756-9322.
