Smoke Alarms and Fire Safety for Older Adults
Older adults face a higher risk of dying in home fires, according to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA). Working alarms and a simple plan make a big difference.
Smoke alarms (NFPA guidance)
- ☐ On every level of the home, including the basement
- ☐ Inside every bedroom and outside each sleeping area
- ☐ Test monthly with the test button
- ☐ Replace smoke alarms 10 years after the manufacture date (or follow the manufacturer)
- ☐ Interconnected alarms, so when one sounds, they all do, if possible
For people with hearing loss
- ☐ Alarms with strobe lights or bed shakers
- ☐ Some local fire departments and the American Red Cross offer free alarm installation programs
Carbon monoxide (CO) alarms
- ☐ Needed if there are fuel-burning appliances, a fireplace, or an attached garage
- ☐ Outside sleeping areas and on every level
Cooking safety
- ☐ Stay in the kitchen while cooking on the stovetop
- ☐ Short or tight sleeves
- ☐ Consider automatic stove shut-off devices
- ☐ Fire extinguisher reachable, and they know how to use it
Heating
- ☐ Space heaters at least 3 feet from anything that can burn
- ☐ Turn them off when leaving the room or going to bed
- ☐ Plug heaters directly into the wall, not an extension cord
Smoking and oxygen
- ☐ Never smoke where medical oxygen is used
- ☐ Deep, sturdy ashtrays; never smoke in bed
Escape plan
- ☐ Two ways out of each room, if possible
- ☐ Glasses, phone, keys and a flashlight by the bed
- ☐ Practice the plan
- ☐ If mobility is limited, sleep on the ground floor near an exit if possible, and tell the local fire department
General information. In an emergency, call 911.
The Aging-in-Place Home Safety Checklist includes a lighting, fire and electrical page and a fridge emergency sheet.
Aging-in-Place Home Safety Checklist — $12
17-page room-by-room home safety and fall-prevention workbook with a fall-risk check, modification plan, ways to pay and a fridge emergency sheet. Instant download: PDF + DOCX + XLSX.
Get the Aging-in-Place Home Safety ChecklistAll 10 kits — $59More guides
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- Fall Prevention Checklist for Seniors: Home and Health
- Bathroom Safety for Seniors: Grab Bars, Showers and Toilets
- How To Talk to Aging Parents About Home Safety
- Medications That Can Increase Fall Risk in Older Adults
- Does Medicare Pay for Grab Bars and Home Modifications?
- Home Modification Grants and Help for Seniors
- Medical Alert Systems: What To Look For (and Alternatives)
- Stair Safety for Seniors: A Practical Checklist