FAIRBORN — The Fairborn Senior Center hosted its Lunch and Learn program Oct. 11, inviting Fairborn Fire Department Battalion Chief Adam Howard to provide tips on preventing fires and falls.
Howard highlighted that individuals aged 65 and elder are twice as likely to die in a fire, while individuals aged 85 and elder are four times more likely.
To prevent a fire, he offered the following tips:
– Smoke cigarettes outside.
– Give space heaters at least three feet distance from furniture. Be mindful of plugging it directly into the wall and turning off before bed.
– Stay in the kitchen while cooking. Keep a fire extinguisher within reach.
– Stop, drop and roll if on fire.
– Keep smoke detectors on each level of the home and inside all bedrooms. Test smoke detectors monthly.
– Plan and practice a fire escape route twice per year.
– Plan the escape route around abilities. Additionally, keep essentials such as a telephone, walkers/wheelchairs/canes, list of medications, glasses, etc. near the bed.
– Know the local emergency number. In Fairborn, the emergency number is 911.
Howard pointed out that falls are the leading cause of unintentional deaths for those aged 65 and elder. The Fairborn Fire Department responds to an average of 26 calls per month concerning falls throughout the city and Bath Township among locals aged 65 and up.
Fire department personnel responded to less than 20 fall occurrences in August, while they answered more than 30 fall calls in September.
Howard offered tips on preventing falls:
– Exercise regularly.
– Take time getting up. Don’t rush.
– Keep stairs and walking areas free of items that could cause a trip.
– Improve lighting, particularly in stairwells.
– Use non-slip mats and grab bars in bathtubs and showers.
– Be aware of uneven surfaces. Wipe liquids from the floor immediately.
– Wear sturdy, low-heeled, well-fitting shoes with non-slip soles.
– If a fall is inevitable, prevent injuries to the head. If a head injury does occur, Howard encourages individuals to go to the hospital for a CAT scan.
