October is Fire Safety Month.  Plan for your abilities.

Making a home fire escape plan for yourself and/or the older adults in your household means making plans for your abilities and home environment: 

• Reduce the risk of trips/falls during an escape by removing clutter.  Make sure all windows and doors are able to open in an emergency.
• Keep your eyeglasses, mobile phone, and a flashlight by your bed/where you sleep to be able to reach them quickly in an emergency.
• Consider sleeping in a room on the ground floor to make emergency escape easier.
• If you cannot escape safely, keep your door shut, place a towel or blanket at the bottom of the door and stand near the window for fire service to reach you. 
• When looking for an apartment or high-rise home, look for one with an automatic sprinkler system
• For people with cognitive disabilities, work with their healthcare providers and local fire department to make a plan that works for their needs.