Proven Need for Fire Safety Awareness among Older Adults

The U.S. fire problem is severe. Each year, home fires result in a significant number of deaths and injuries. Older adults (ages 65+) are burdened with the gravest fire risk and are consistently more threatened with injury or death by fire than any other age group. Raising awareness among older adults is the key to reducing home fires and preventing deaths. This home fire safety awareness program provides tools to educate older adults and their families nationwide about home fire hazards related to cooking, heating, and electrical equipment. The critical importance of smoke alarms and fire escape planning are also reinforced.

These program resources were developed with funds provided by a FY 2011 Fire Prevention and Safety (FP&S) grant from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Federal Emergency Management Agency as part of a multi-generational fire safety awareness campaign, which encourages family members of all ages to work together to identify and correct potential home fire hazards.