Fire Safety for Nursing Homes and Seniors
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The decision to place an elderly loved one in a nursing home is a tough one for many reasons, from knowing how most seniors want to maintain as much of their independence as possible as they age to putting their care and well being into the hands of relative strangers. Add to that the danger of fires within a nursing home—knowing how difficult evacuating elderly residents can be—and the decision becomes even more fraught. Luckily, the
National Fire Protection Association
has put together some tips to help anyone facing this situation make the right choice when it comes to choosing a nursing home where your loved one will be safe in the event of a fire:
- Is the building well maintained? Make that paper and other storage items do not block doors or hallways needed for escape.
- Check to make sure there is an evacuation plan in place that involved all staff and is practiced regularly.
- Are there safety systems in place such as alternative exists, smoke detectors, and sprinklers?
- Check on the staff-to-patient ratio. How many staff per resident during the day and especially at night or on weekends and holidays? Is supervisory staff available to carryout an escape plan if there is a fire?
- Are there guidelines for people who smoke such as a separate room or staff supervision?
- Does nursing home management take your questions regarding safety seriously and are they forthcoming with information?
- Every facility should have written fire procedures that are understood and practiced by all staff. Staff should be responsible for knowing and carrying out their part of the plan. That includes doctors, nursing staff, kitchen staff, maintenance, volunteers, and others.
- Response procedures should be practiced regularly.
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