Discussion Questions and Messages

If resident has limited attention span, discuss only main messages. Check understanding after 

each topic by saying “Before we move on to the next topic, can you tell me in your own words 

what we just discussed?” 

1. FOR RESIDENTS WHO ALREADY HAVE ALARMS OR WILL GET THEM SOON:

• Main message: Test smoke alarms every month; you can ask someone to test them

for you.

• Message #2: Never disable your smoke alarm. 

FOR RESIDENTS WHO DO NOT HAVE ALARMS (AND ARE NOT ELIGIBLE TO 

RECEIVE THEM):

• Main message: A smoke alarm warns you when it senses smoke in your home. Put 

smoke alarms in your home and test them each month.

2. Have you thought about how you might escape in case of fire?

• Main message: Know two ways out of every room. 

• Message #2: Plan your escape around your abilities.

• Message #3: Keep a phone and emergency numbers to call for help near your 

bed or sleeping area.

• Message #4: If a fire starts, get out and stay out.

• Message #5: If you cannot get out, get as low to the ground as you can.

Date: DATE OF BIRTH:

Nam

Address

Phone:     EDUCA

/ / / /

DISCUSSION OPENER: “I would like to talk to you today about keeping safe from fires in your home. Many

older adults are injured or die each year because of home fires. This may be because they have a harder time 

moving quickly or their hearing and eyesight may not be as sharp as they used to be. If it’s okay with you, 

I’d like to spend a few minutes discussing how you can prevent fires and what you can do in case of a fire. 

How does that sound?”

If resident agrees, continue with questions. 

If resident is not able or willing to have the discussion, check here: and provide reason below:

Reason:

Topic 

Covered ( )

Education  oo

Fire Safe Seniors

U.S. Fire Administration
Discussion Questions and Messages

If resident has limited attention span, discuss only main messages. Check understanding after 

each topic by saying “Before we move on to the next topic, can you tell me in your own words 

what we just discussed?” 

4. Do you ever use the stove to cook? 

• Main message: Keep an eye on what you fry and stand by your pan when cooking 

with high temperatures.

• Message #2: Wear short sleeves or roll sleeves up while cooking.

• Message #3: Move anything that can burn away from the stove.

3. Do you or anyone else who lives here smoke? 

• Main message: Never smoke when you are lying down, drowsy, or in bed.

• Message #2: Use large, deep, tip-resistant ashtrays, and place them on a flat surface.

• Message #3: Wet cigarette butts and ashes before emptying them into the trash.

• Message #4: Smoke outside, if possible

• Message #5: Do not smoke near oxygen tanks.

5. How do you stay warm when it gets cold outside?

IF RESIDENT USES A SPACE HEATER:

• Main message: Keep the space heater 3 feet away from anything that can burn,

including you.

• Message #2: Unplug heaters when you aren’t using them, including when you 

leave your home or go to bed. 

• Message #3: Consider getting space heaters that automatically turn off if they 

tip over.

IF RESIDENT USES A FIREPLACE, WOOD STOVE, OR COAL STOVE:

• Main message: Have a professional clean and inspect your fireplace, wood stove,

or coal stove once a year.

• Message #2: Do not burn green wood, artificial logs, boxes, or trash.

• Message #3: Use a metal mesh fireplace screen to keep sparks inside. If your 

fireplace has glass doors, leave them open while burning a fire.

HOW TO END THE DISCUSSION: 

• Explain leave-behind materials.

• Ask if resident has any questions. 

• Thank resident for his/her time.

Materials left with resident Quantity

Flyer about smoking, cooking, and heating safety

Flyer about smoke alarms and escape planning

Other:

Other

Topic 

Covered ( )