The start of a new year is a perfect time to check out all of your home safety devices and procedures.
“Any special day can be designated to change batteries – a birthday, anniversary, New Year’s Day,” said Judy Comoletti, a Division Manager with The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) Public Education Division.
Senior Safety and Home Safety Devices
Seniors may not be able to safely climb a ladder to change batteries in their smoke detectors. In this case, family caregivers may want to do a home safety check with their loved ones or consider just taking this task over after discussing it with their loved one. This is even more important for those who have mobility issues. They may be unable to safely exit the home in an emergency. According to the NFPA, people 65 and older are twice as likely to be killed or injured by fires compared to the population at large.
How Often to Check Safety Devices for the Home
Regular smoke detector maintenance, as well as carbon monoxide detector maintenance, is key to home safety for seniors. The NFPA recommends testing smoke alarms and carbon monoxide alarms at least monthly. As far as how often to change smoke alarm batteries, the NFPA states that batteries should be replaced once a year or when the alarm chirps, signaling a dead battery.
“It is a good idea to test the smoke alarm at least once a month to be sure it is working,” said Ms. Comoletti. “Working smoke alarms save lives.”
Fire Extinguisher Maintenance
For those with the skill to use fire extinguishers, be sure to check that they are located in the best place in your home. “Fire extinguishers are one element of a fire response plan, but the primary element is safe escape,” said Ms. Comoletti. “Every home should have a home fire escape plan and working smoke alarms.”
For more information about fire extinguisher training and creating a safe escape plan, visit the NFPA website at www.nfpa.org.
Radon Detectors
Another home health risk is radon, an odorless gas that can potentially cause cancer when someone is exposed over a long period of time. January is Radon Action Month and according to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), radon exposure is the second leading cause of lung cancer behind smoking.
Radon is found in every state in the United States in varying levels. An affordable radon test from your local hardware store is the only way to tell if the soil under your house is emitting dangerous amounts of radon. The test requires putting the device at about chest level in a lived-in area of your basement and leaving it for three months. Once the test is complete, mail in the device to a lab in the pre-addressed envelope that comes with it and expect the results in a couple of weeks.
If the test detects high levels of radon, you can make simple fixes like sealing cracks and holes in your basement or more expensive options that include installing systems to drain off the gas. It’s never too late to run a radon test. You can still reduce your risk for lung cancer even if you’ve been exposed to radon for a long time.
Monitoring and Home Safety Devices for Seniors: Homewatch Connect
Start this new year off with a safe home for yourself and your loved ones by doing a home safety check today. And, for an extra level of safety and security, consider a system like Homewatch CareGivers Homewatch Connect™. This system monitors temperature, motion, and humidity with environmental sensors, and microphones monitor for concerning sounds such as breaking glass or the water that’s been running for too long.
Contact us or call 888-404-5191 today; we can also perform a home safety audit if you’d like to discuss our in-home senior care services.
