Steps to Safety™
The NFPA’s program for older adults helps you live safely at home for as long as possible by preventing the two biggest risks: fires and falls.
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8 Steps to Fire Safety
1. If you smoke, smoke outside.
Use deep, sturdy ashtrays. Wet cigarette butts and ashes before throwing them out.
Use deep, sturdy ashtrays. Wet cigarette butts and ashes before throwing them out.
2. Give space heaters space.
Keep them at least 3 feet away from anything that can burn. Unplug them when you leave the room.
Keep them at least 3 feet away from anything that can burn. Unplug them when you leave the room.
3. Stay in the kitchen when frying food.
Never leave cooking unattended. If you must leave the kitchen, turn off the burner.
Never leave cooking unattended. If you must leave the kitchen, turn off the burner.
4. If your clothes catch fire: Stop, Drop & Roll.
If you can’t drop, smother the flames with a towel or blanket.
If you can’t drop, smother the flames with a towel or blanket.
5. Smoke alarms save lives.
Have alarms on every level and outside sleeping areas. Test them monthly.
Have alarms on every level and outside sleeping areas. Test them monthly.
6. Plan and practice your escape.
Know two ways out of every room. Make sure windows and doors open easily.
Know two ways out of every room. Make sure windows and doors open easily.
7. Know your local emergency number.
In an emergency, call 9-1-1 immediately. Don’t delay.
In an emergency, call 9-1-1 immediately. Don’t delay.
8. Plan your escape around your abilities.
Keep a phone, glasses, and walking aids next to your bed at night.
Keep a phone, glasses, and walking aids next to your bed at night.
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8 Steps to Fall Prevention
1. Exercise regularly.
Build strength and improve your balance and coordination.
Build strength and improve your balance and coordination.
2. Take your time.
Get out of chairs slowly. Sit a moment before you get out of bed.
Get out of chairs slowly. Sit a moment before you get out of bed.
3. Keep walking areas clear.
Remove electrical cords, shoes, and clutter from walkways and stairs.
Remove electrical cords, shoes, and clutter from walkways and stairs.
4. Improve your lighting.
Use night lights to light the path between your bedroom and bathroom.
Use night lights to light the path between your bedroom and bathroom.
5. Use non-slip mats & grab bars.
Install grab bars next to the toilet and in the shower.
Install grab bars next to the toilet and in the shower.
6. Be aware of uneven surfaces.
Use only throw rugs with rubber, non-skid backing.
Use only throw rugs with rubber, non-skid backing.
7. Keep stairways safe.
Stairs should be well lit from top to bottom. Use handrails.
Stairs should be well lit from top to bottom. Use handrails.
8. Wear sturdy, well-fitting shoes.
Low-heeled shoes with non-slip soles are safer than slippers or socks.
Low-heeled shoes with non-slip soles are safer than slippers or socks.
Grand Traverse Metro Fire Department
Questions about safety? Call us at (231) 947-3000 x1234