The Fort Frances Fire & Rescue Service is focused on returning to the senior community homes and trying to reach out to all seniors about the impending risks of fires in their homes.
Across Canada, the senior citizen population is growing, and Fort Frances is no exception to that trend.
“It’s well known that seniors in any community are a high-risk group,” said Wayne Riches, Captain of Fire Prevention and Education.
Capt. Riches noted some seniors’ lack of mobility or physical impairments and improper use of medication is a contributing factor to why seniors are considered to be a high-risk.
“You can’t smell smoke when you are sleeping,” said Fire Chief Tyler Moffitt. “Your nose is asleep, too.”
He emphasized the importance of installing alarms with strobe lights or detector that talk to lower the risk. Chief Moffitt suggested seniors could also install alarms for your bed which vibrate to wake you up.
The fire department tries to have a “boots to the ground” mentality and face-to-face interactions with members of their community when it comes to promoting fire prevention, according to Chief Moffitt.
The fire department is focused on targeting senior living centres as it is an opportunity for them to reach a larger number of the senior community. Such visits have been public safety initiative which has been going on here for more than 15 years.
It is not only the responsibility of the fire department to inform seniors but the community as well, said Chief Moffitt. A general community initiative should be to pass along fire safety tips to neighbours and other seniors in the community.
Capt. Riches said the fire dept. is noticing an increase in cooking-related fires.
“The largest cause of fire across the province is careless cooking or unattended cooking and that is an issue we see directly when you are dealing with seniors and senior homes,” he mentioned.
Capt. Riches suggested seniors not leave a stove unattended while cooking and to turn off the stove if you need to leave the kitchen. He also suggested to wear tight fitting clothing or roll up loose sleeves while cooking to avoid an accident.
“Distractions are big. So, when your phone rings or somebody comes to your door, remember to turn the stove off or use a timer as a reminder to go back and check the stove,” said Capt. Riches.
It is always important to have a safety plan and to follow the fire safety for older adults’ guide.
“When a fire does happen, time is of the essence,” reminded Chief Moffitt.
The fire department’s goal is to educate seniors, Capt. Riches noted, and one of the biggest challenges is changing seniors’ behaviour to help prevent a fire.
“We want to put things in place to ensure the safety of our seniors. If something happens in their home or their apartment, they’ll know what to do and have the means to get out,” said Capt. Riches.
Being out in the community gives fire services a chance to remind and raise awareness for senior citizens, he noted. It also allows seniors to ask any questions or get assistance with any fire safety concerns.
“At the end of the day, hopefully it works towards a better or more fire safe environment,” said Capt. Riches.
