Older Adults

The City of Greater Sudbury Fire Services addresses seniors' special needs through the Office of the Fire Marshal's Older & Wiser Program and the NFPA "Remembering When Program".

Our fire prevention officers host information sessions and conduct video and slide presentations designed specifically for our older residents. We work with the Older Adult seniors centre and retiree organizations such as Inco's SOAR, the VON, social services and other groups to ensure that elder persons and caregivers are aware of fire hazards, prevention and safety.

To arrange for one of our public educators to meet with your group, call 3-1-1.

Home Fire Safety Check for Family and Friends of Older Adults

Do you know how to leave quickly if there is a fire?

  • Check that the older adult knows two ways out in case the main route is blocked by smoke or flames. Check that all doors and windows in the escape route can be easily opened.

Do you have a neighbour who can help in an emergency?

  • Can the older adult walk to a neighbour's house to call the fire department? In apartments, is there a neighbour who can help when the alarm sounds?

Is there a phone near the bed in case you need help?

  • Make sure the emergency number is posted on the phone.

What would you do if the room filled with smoke?

  • Demonstrate how to crawl low under smoke to safety.

Do you know the sound of the fire alarm and what to do when the alarm sounds? (For apartment dwellers)

  • Find out the correct procedures from building management.

Do you ever leave cooking unattended?

  • Tell the older adult to turn off the stove before leaving.

Do you know what to do if a pot on the stove catches fire?

  • Keep a proper fitting lid nearby and slide it over the burning pot.

Are there combustibles, such as tea towels or curtains, near the stove?

  • Keep anything that can easily catch fire away from the stove.

Do you wear tight-fitting or rolled up sleeves when you use the stove?

  • Dangling sleeves can easily brush against a hot burner and catch fire.

Are you careful not to reach over hot burners?

  • Use the front burners as much as possible. 

Do you keep portable heaters at least 1 meter from any combustible materials, such as drapes, clothing or furniture?

  • Remind the older adult that portable heaters should never be used to dry clothing, tea towels, gloves, etc.

Do you consider yourself to be a careful smoker?

  • Smokers should use large, deep ashtrays and never smoke when drowsy or in bed.

Where do you empty your ashtrays?

  • Ashtrays should be emptied into a non-combustible can.

Are you careful when you drink and smoke?

  • Drinking alcohol while smoking is a deadly combination and accounts for many fire deaths.