There is help in your community. Gilbert's office has a special program, Older and Wiser, a kit that includes a slide presentation, brochures and other tools to teach older people how to protect themselves. Gilbert, who was involved in making Older and Wiser, was also on a U.S. National Fire Protection Association task force which developed a fire-safety program for older adults called Remembering When. He said adults over 65 are at greatest risk because of their limited mobility and slower reaction times. As well, medication can affect their ability to make quick decisions.
Older people are also vulnerable because they're more likely to live alone.
Emile Therien of the Canada Safety Council says many fires, injuries and deaths can be prevented. It's important for older people to have their electrical systems inspected, for instance, if fuses blow or circuit breakers trip frequently. Most importantly, says Therien, there should be working smoke alarms throughout the home. The devices are a big reason the number of fire deaths have been cut dramatically in the last 20 years. Older and Wiser says older people should have an alarm in their bedroom as well as on every floor of their home.