People with Alzheimer’s disease or dementia may have trouble remembering safety rules or making quick decisions. The loss of familiarity with locations, landmarks, and mobility can lead to fire safety risks. Caregivers make the home safer by taking extra steps and changing behaviours toward fire safety to create a safer living space.

Alarms and escape plans

Early warning is vital to getting someone to safety. The following should be done as soon as possible if you are caring for someone with Alzheimer’s disease or dementia:

  • Install smoke alarms on every storey of your home and outside all sleeping areas.
  • Install CO alarms on every storey of your home and outside all sleeping areas if your home contains a fuel-burning appliance, a fireplace, an attached garage, or is served by a forced-air fuel burning appliance not contained within the building
  • Choose smoke alarms with a "hush" button that temporarily silences the alarm if they are set of by cooking activities or steam from the shower. The alarm will automatically reset itself after a few minutes. Never remove the batteries to silence an alarm.
  • Create a fire escape plan, review the plan with everyone in the household and decide who will help the person with dementia exit the home.
  • Work with your neighbours. Tell neighbours that a person with Alzheimer’s or dementia lives next door. Ask neighbours to call 9-1-1 if they see an emergency and create a "buddy system" so neighbours can help if the caregiver is away.

Safe smoking habits

Careless smoking is a leading cause of fire deaths. If a person with dementia smokes, they must be always supervised. Make sure smoking only happens outside. Do not allow smoking on sofas, in bed, or near oxygen tanks.

Be sure to:

  • Deter smoking by removing cigarettes, matches and lighters.
  • Use large, deep ashtrays and add a little water to the ashtray for additional safety.
  • Put a cookie sheet under the ashtray to catch falling ashes.
  • Soak cigarette butts in water before putting them in the trash.

Kitchen and cooking safety

  • Supervise all activities in the kitchen.
  • Ensure the person wears tight-fitting sleeves that will not touch hot burners.
  • Keep paper, towels, recipes, plastic and wooden utensils and other flammable items away from the stove.
  • Remove the knobs or fuses from the stove so it cannot be used when no one is watching.
  • Unplug kettles and toasters when they are not in use.
  • Monitor their use of microwave ovens.

Heating and candles

Heating sources and lit candles should never be left unattended. Always:

  • Keep space heaters at least 1 metre (3 feet) away from furniture, curtains, and other combustible materials.
  • Use metal fire screens around woodstoves and fireplaces to contain sparks and embers.
  • Remove all real candles from the home. If candles must be used, keep them in glass containers and out of reach. Store matches out of sight.

Removing tripping hazards

Clutter can be dangerous during a fire. Always:

  • Keep floors and stairs clear of rugs, cords, shoes, and any other items that cause clutter.
  • Fix uneven paths or patios outside.
  • Use bright or reflective tape on the edges of steps so they are easy to see.
  • Keep the home well-lit by using night-lights between the bedroom and bathroom to prevent confusion and falls.