The longer we occupy them, the more our homes become precious to us. They hold our memories and keep us comfortable through Alaska's long winters. But our homes can also become dangerous if we don't take steps to prevent fires. Every year, house fires injure thousands of older adults across the country. The good news is that with some simple changes, people can prevent most home fires.
The kitchen is where most home fires start. When cooking, never leave food on the stove or in the oven unattended. If you must step away, even for a minute, turn off the heat first. Keep pot handles turned inward so they won't get knocked over. Make sure your cooking area is clean and free of grease buildup. If grease catches fire, never use water to put it out. Instead, turn off the heat, cover the pan with a lid, and move it off the burner if you can do so safely.
Space heaters are common during our cold winters, but they need special care. Keep heaters at least three feet away from anything that can burn, including curtains, furniture, and blankets. Never use extension cords with space heaters and always plug them directly into wall outlets. Turn off heaters when you leave the room or go to sleep. Check that your heater has an automatic shut-off feature in case it tips over.
Your home's electrical system needs regular attention too. Look for warning signs like flickering lights, warm outlets, or burning smells. These could mean dangerous wiring problems. Never overload outlets with too many plugs. Replace any frayed or damaged electrical cords right away. If you notice problems, call a licensed electrician rather than trying to fix them yourself. Another warning is a plug that your cords fall out of easily. These outlets need to be replaced right away.
Smoking materials cause many home fires. If you smoke, always use deep, wide ashtrays and make sure cigarettes are completely out before throwing them away. Never smoke in bed or when you're drowsy. Consider smoking outdoors instead of indoors to reduce fire risk. Batteries in vapes are susceptible to fires if damaged at all.
Smoke alarms save lives, but only if they work properly. Test your smoke alarms every month by pressing the test button. Replace batteries twice a year when we change our clocks for daylight saving time or purchase an alarm with a 10-year battery. If your smoke alarm is more than 10 years old, replace the entire unit. Install smoke alarms on every level of your home and outside each sleeping area. Use the same rules with carbon monoxide alarms.
If a fire starts in your home, your safety comes first. Get out immediately and stay out. Don't fight the fire or go back inside for any belongings. Once you're safely outside, call 911 from a neighbor's house or your cell phone. If smoke is blocking your exit, crawl low under the smoke to breathe cleaner air near the floor.
If you have mobility challenges, ask family members or neighbors to help you create a realistic escape plan. You can also sign up with the local dispatch center to warn them that somebody with mobility challenges lives there, by calling 907-352-5401.
Winter heating brings extra fire risks in Alaska. Have your furnace, chimney, and wood stove inspected and cleaned every year by a professional.
For more detailed fire safety information, contact your local fire department. Many offer free home safety inspections for seniors. The American Red Cross of Alaska also provides excellent fire safety materials accessible on their website at redcross.org.
Preventing home fires takes ongoing attention, but the steps are simple. Small changes today can save your life tomorrow and help keep your Alaska home safe and warm for years to come.
Christian M. Hartley is a 41-year Alaska resident with more than 26 years of public safety and public service experience. He is the public safety director of the City of Houston and serves on many local and state workgroups, boards and commissions related to safety. He lives in Big Lake with his wife of 21 years and their three teenage sons.
