Safe Seniors Program

Overview

Rome-Floyd County Fire Department cares about our Senior Citizens. Knowing what to do in the event of a fire is particularly important for older adults. It's essential to take the necessary steps to stay safe. Teaching seniors about fire and life safety can save lives. We offer materials and presentations about safety risks specific to seniors including smoking, cooking, use of home oxygen, staying safe at home, and planning for emergencies.

The fire and injury risks we face change as we age and it is important to adapt our homes so we can stay independent and safe. A fall, a burn, or a fire can be devastating. As our skin ages, it thins and burns can be more damaged more quickly.

Planning for Emergencies

  • Have a plan to get out of the house in 3 minutes or less
  • Keep eyeglasses, canes, walkers, and hearing instruments next to the bed or wherever you sleep at night
  • Make sure that all pathways are clear of clutter
  • Install night lights throughout the house to prevent falls
  • Replace batteries in smoke alarms at least once a year and replacing smoke alarms entirely every 10. The Rome-Floyd County Fire Department can help with this.
  • Link to Smoke Alarm Request
  • Electrical systems need a check-up every 10 years, and furnaces and chimneys need a tune-up every year.
  • People facing mobility issues may need to revise their home escape plan, perhaps moving a bedroom to the first floor.
  • People with hearing issues may want to get a bed shaker connected to their smoke alarm.
  • Cooking
  • Cooking is the leading cause of fire injuries to people over 65. Follow these tips to stay safe while cooking:
  • Wear short or tight-fitting sleeves while cooking as loose sleeves easily catch fire.
  • Stand by your cooking and never leave it unattended.
  • Put a lid on the stovetop to put a fire out.
  • If your clothes catch on fire, lower yourself to the ground, cover your eyes, and roll to put out the flames. Don't be afraid to "Stop, Drop, and Roll", it could save your life.
  • You can use a dish towel, bathrobe, or coat to also put out the flames on yourself or someone else.

Electrical Fires

Follow these safe practices to prevent electrical fires:

  • Don't overload outlets or power strips
  • Repair or discard anything with a frayed wire
  • Use one appliance per outlet, especially if it's a heat-generating appliance
  • Don't run electrical cords under rugs or let them get pinched by furniture
  • Extension cords are for temporary use only and are not designed for long-term use
  • Space heaters need at least 3 feet of space from anything that can burn
  • Have a licensed electrician inspect your electrical system every 10 years

Smoking

Follow these safe practices to prevent smoking fires:

  • Smoke outdoors
  • Use large and sturdy ashtrays or a can filled with sand to put out cigarettes
  • Be sure that matches and cigarettes are fully extinguished when throwing them away
  • Never extinguish cigarettes in potted plants or mulch
  • If you're drowsy or falling asleep, put out your cigarette

Home Medical Oxygen

  • Never smoke while using oxygen or near an oxygen source
  • Learn more about using home oxygen safely.

House Numbers

Make sure that house numbers are clearly visible from the street so emergency responders can find your house.