2005 Press Releases

The Burn Center At Saint Barnabas Reports That The Elderly Are At Greater Risk For Burns And Fire-Related Death

Livingston, N.J. -- Physical and cognitive changes associated with aging render seniors more vulnerable to fire and burn injury. According to the American Burn Association, twenty-five percent of all fire deaths occur in the senior population. Older adults between ages 65 and 75 have twice the fire death rate of the national average, and those between 75 and 85 have three times the national average.

“Common factors such as changes in vision, hearing, sense of smell, changes in skin sensation, and decreased mobility and dexterity, can put these individuals at increased risk for burns,” says Kathe Conlon, B.S.N., R.N., community nurse educator for the Saint Barnabas Burn Foundation. “Older adults may also be less able to recognize and respond to danger because of cognitive changes resulting from stroke, organic causes, or use of certain medications.

Senior Citizen Safety
Three leading causes of fire-related injury or death in older adults are smoking, heating and cooking. The Burn Center at Saint Barnabas and The Saint Barnabas Burn Foundation suggest the following safety tips to reduce risks associated with the changing lifestyle of seniors:

Kitchen:

• Wear snug fitting or short sleeves while cooking. Use oven mitts to protect hands from burns and to prevent scald injury. Turn off the burner before picking pots up.
• Be careful when reaching over the stove to get condiments or utensils. Consider storing these items on side counters, rather than cabinets over the burners.
• Stay in the kitchen while cooking, especially if you are frying foods. If you must leave, turn off the stove or set a timer to remind you that the stove is on.
• Never carry a flaming pan to the sink or outside. Clothing could catch fire. Also, never use water to put out a grease fire—it can actually spread the fire!  If a fire occurs, stay calm, turn off the burner, and slide a lid onto the frying pan to smother the fire. Wait for the pan to cool before uncovering it.
• Keep appliance cords from dangling. Place hot foods and liquids towards the center of counters and tables; away form the edges where they can be easily knocked over.

Bedroom:

• Never smoke in bed.
• Never smoke when you are on oxygen therapy and do not allow anyone else to smoke when oxygen is being used.

Bathroom:

• Test shower or bath water before stepping in. Consider installing an anti-scald valve, especially if living in multi-dwelling residence. Safety bars and anti-slip mats are also a good investment.
• Hot water heaters should be set at no more than 120 degrees F.

Living Room:

• Install smoke alarms on every level of your home! Do not place a smoke detector near the kitchen where heat from cooking may sound the alarm unnecessarily. Test the batteries frequently by using a broom handle to push the test button and change the battery twice a year (during daylight savings time).
• Have your heating system inspected annually. Consider installing a Carbon Monoxide detector for added protection.
• When burning candles, never leave them unattended. Place them on a glass base, away from curtains or other objects that could easily be ignited.

Planning your Escape:

• Develop a realistic escape plan with two ways out of every room. Practice the plan, keeping in mind your physical abilities. Store an escape ladder or a step stool near your window to hoist yourself out.
• Keep all exits clear.
• Keep glasses, medicines, a telephone, a flashlight and walking aids close to your bed.

In Case of Fire:

Leave immediately staying as low to the floor as possible. Do not go back inside for any reason. Call for help form a neighbor. Report anyone who is missing to the Fire Department. Seek medical attention for even the smallest burn injury. Even a minor burn in this age group can have life-altering complications associated with it.

DECEMBER 2, 2005

CONTACT: PUBLIC RELATIONS (973) 322-9901

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