Seniors - Fire Safety for Caregivers

In Case of Emergency

  • In case of fire, get them out and keep them out!

    If the person you care for requires assistance, the first thing you should do is help them out. Don't let them return for any possessions or pets.

    Call 9-1-1 only after everyone has gotten to safety.

    If you are unable to get to the person you care for, evacuate yourself and tell the firefighters where they're trapped.

  • Always use the stairs.

    If the person you care for requires assistance, help them down the stairs and out of the building in a quick and safe fashion.

    Ensure that there is a designated backup to assist them in case they need evacuating while you're out.

  • If the person you care for has limited mobility, ensure that their bedroom is on the ground floor, close to an exit.

  • Ensure that all fire exits are accessible.

    This means fire exits are unlocked and unblocked, and the person you care for is capable of opening all emergency exits, such as windows and doors.

    This also means that access ramps must be installed on all fire exits if the person you are caring for requires them.

  • If your facility has fire doors, never block or prop them open. These are often designed to shut automatically when an alarm is triggered, stopping the spread of fires, but are unable to do so if propped open.

    If you're unsure whether or not your facility has these, ask your management.

  • The person you care for should have a phone installed in their room. This will ensure that, if they are trapped and require assistance, they will be able to call for help.

    They should also have a flashlight, both for emergency lighting and to signal in case they're trapped in a fire.