Fire Extinguisher Safety for Seniors, Adults & Everyone

FIRE EXTINGUSHER SAFETY

FOR SENIORS, CAREGIVERS AND THE REST OF US

IT IS IMPORTANT THAT THE FIRE DEPARTMENT IS CALLED FIRST SO THEY CAN BE ON THE WAY TO YOU AS SOON AS POSSIBLE.  IS THE ADDRESS PRINTED IN A VISIBLE SPOT NEXT TO THE PHONE? IN A PANIC OR IF A VISITOR IS CALLING FOR HELP THE ADDRESS MAY BE FORGOTTEN/UNKNOWN 

Fire safety is something we all agree is important though is seldom thought of during our daily routine. Just as the fire extinguisher sitting under the kitchen counter or hanging on a wall is seen all the time but remains unseen as it is so common. I will not address all the various components of sizes and powder types here. My goal is to bring this vital topic up to the surface so everyone will take a new look at your business and home extinguishers. In many homes the extinguisher may be tucked away in the cabinet under the sink or in the laundry room, out of sight out of mind. All too often it is way too close to the stove where a fire can start. When a fired does start or explodes into the air over the stove ruining your latest version of fried eggs and spam it is impossible to get close to search for that “red cylinder” under the cabinet. Doing so can put you in more danger than you think. It is better to find a place on the wall near a doorway away from the stove to hang it. If you decide to use the fire extinguisher you will be in a safe part of the room to take it off the wall, pull the safety pin and then aim it at the base of the fire.

Many seniors have mobility/vision concerns so getting out of the area to a safe place will be a better option than going back near any danger. For those caregivers who are agile, and the fire is small, the extinguisher may be useful in putting the fire out before major damage is done. 

Did you call the fire department?

If vision, the ability to move quickly is reduced or if there are obstacles that can get in the way or tripped over trying to fight the fire, then getting out of the building is the better option for safety. This should be discussed by the caregiver to the family member, client or even the neighbor who is a frequent visitor. Making a plan with your client and family members about what to do if a fire starts can save a life. Plan and practice the exit plan for all parts of the home or office once a year. 

All fire extinguishers should be looked at once a month, yeah I know it sounds like work but it will take less than one minute in most cases. 

Look: to see that it is still where it should be, that getting to the extinguisher is not blocked by furniture or even temporary items such as chairs or boxes that someday will be put into storage. 

Look: at the gauge: is the needle in the green part? If not then bring it in for service or replacement. 

Look: is the safety pull pin still in the handle? If not the extinguisher can be accidentally set off when you pick it up and that will be a scary mess. (Think of a few pounds of powder scattered in the room by a fan)

Look: to see if the cylinder has been damaged in any way, if so the unit needs to be replaced. (Dents, rust, damaged gauge or handle)

When the extinguisher is sitting and hoping to never be put to use, the powder inside settles and over time may form a semi solid cake at the bottom of the cylinder.

How long has your unit been sitting and not moved? One way to keep the powder feeling free and eager to do the job intended is to upend the extinguisher a few times.
That is, shake it, inverting it upside down 4 or 5 times, you should feel the powder move from one end to the other at this time. Do this once every 6 months, maybe at the same time you put  new batteries in your smoke detectors.

For extinguishers located in a business, they need to be serviced on an annual basis and a tag attached showing the date of the last inspection. This is required in all work locations, offices, warehouse, job sites retail shops and more. The tag is marked or punched with the month and year of the last inspection. We can provide this service to your business, just call to set up a time, or bring your extinguisher to our store for service. (There is a service charge)

Please note: when you do use your extinguisher, even if for a few seconds, it must be serviced or replaced as soon as possible. The powder will corrode the inner parts resulting in a loss of pressure so it will not be usable the next time the hamburger is left forgotten on the stove.

Did you call the fire department?

There are many sizes of fire extinguishers to meet your needs. You can ask your local fire department, insurance company or Service Company for advice. 

The 2 ½ # or 5# sizes are fine for most homes or facilities that do not have high risk exposure.

When you do use the extinguisher be sure to aim at the base of the fire and move the flow of powder from side to side (SWEEP) Once the extinguisher is empty the fire will be put out. If not then it is wise to get out of the area, don’t try to retrieve the eggs.

If there is any doubt about you or your family member being able to use or lift the extinguisher, do not take any chances trying to remove it from the wall, don’t panic just get out of the area. Many of the smaller extinguishers weigh from 4 ½ #To 10# (pounds) then pulling the safety seal and pin can take strength some do not have. 

Your first priority is your client/family member: get them to safety. 

Did you call the fire department?

Please give us feedback on what topics of safety or medical equipment you would like us to write about.  Jerry@tucsonsafety.com

Tucson Safety & Medical Supply

1740 E. Fort Lowell Road

  Tucson, AZ 85719

520-628-7267

Discount Offer!  Call and say "I saw you in SPOTLIGHT"
for 10% off your purchase. 

https://www.tucsonsafety.com/

Eye Protection Is For Everyday & Everyone

EYE PROTECTION IS FOR EVERYDAY: FOR EVERYONE

UV RAYS WILL AFFECT ALL AGES

                                 

Safety glasses protect your eyes as well as your loved ones eyes from not only the damaging UV rays, they are impact resistant and comfortable to wear. The wrap round styles reduce the amount of wind that can often dry out sensitive eyes.  

Glasses are available in smaller sizes which fit slender faces. With spring and summer on the way more of us will be outside exposed to the sun and UV rays for longer times.  More information can be obtained by going to: 

The Prevent blindness Web page at www.preventblindness.org/uv  

The UV rays have been linked to Cataracts as well as a number of other visual concerns. As part of your caregiving duties do not forget how sensitive the eyes of our senior citizens can be.  Not all eyewear has UV protection this includes many of the “toy” glasses young kids are seen with.  All of our glasses, clear, smoke, amber and mirrored have the UV protection.

For those who wear glasses you will find (OTG) over the glass safety glasses which come in clear as well as smoke color lens.

Prevent Blindness recommends speaking with an eye care professional to ensure proper eye protection is being used no matter what the outdoor activity may be. At Tucson Safety & Medical Supply we carry over 40 styles and shades of safety glasses to choose from. Many have stylish frames as well as a full range of lens colors. If at work or at play it is just common sense to keep your eyes safe.

Tucson Safety & Medical Supply

1740 E. Fort Lowell Road

Tucson, AZ 85719

520-628-7267

www.tucsonsafety.com

Sponsor of the Tucson SPOTLIGHT Senior Services & Living Options Guide.  Call us today and say
"I saw you in SPOTLIGHT!" 

Bring Dad (Mom) Home from the Hospital or Rehabilitation

Bringing Dad (Mom) Home from the Hospital or Rehabilitation

Bathroom safety is a major concern as most fall at home happen in this room

We can almost predict what some customers will say when they come into the store. The worried, tense expressions as they look at the variety of home care items on display can be overwhelming to many.  When asked how we can be of help the response is often “Well I am bringing dad home this weekend and they told me that I need to get the house ready”. “What do I need to get???”   The fear, confusion and concern in the “kids” voice and face shows as they are confronted with this new dilemma. All are frustrated as what looks like a mountain of decisions to be made within a few hours or just days.

Seldom has a list of items been given to them by the hospital or doctor’s office that can be used as a guideline for the medical care and safety items the parent* will be using at home.  Don’t panic, in most cases there is time to find the right products for the home rehab of the patient/parent. Once we find the what if any, limitations they have such as mobility and or incontinence issues, a  variety of solutions can be offered to meet the needs of both the parent and caregiver in the home. 

Will they be using a tub or shower?  A shower bench or transfer bench may be best for safety and comfort. Some tubs have sliding doors which can make the use of transfer benches difficult. Removal of the doors may be the best solution then replace with a curtain. This gives more leg room to step in or swing the legs around to gain entry. Plus doors on the tub can make it difficult for a caregiver to be of help. Please do not fall for the false cost saving idea of using a plastic yard chair in the tub/shower.  The heat of the water will weaken the frame which can bend, they do not have nonskid leg tips, they are not adjustable in height, to name a few reasons they can be a hazard.

A shower head that is removable from the wall can be of help, one that has a long hose such as 84” with an on and off switch at the shower head adds to the safety and comfort so reaching for the wall valve is not an issue.

A toilet seat riser and or a commode may be needed. New styles of commodes and benches that do not look institutional that fit into the home décor are available.

Mirrors in many bathrooms may need to be tilted so when you are sitting in a wheelchair the view is angled to the face. Care needs to be taken so the mirror is secure, a handyman should be consulted if you are in doubt about adjusting it.

Rugs (smaller or movable) just get rid of them or secure them to the floor. Rugs that have a thick rubber base that prevents them from moving may work out in some cases. Look for a non-slip floor mat: They can still cause a trip hazard if not completely flat.

Grab bars come in various lengths and colors, they can be mounted at any angle as long as both ends are anchored to the wall. It is best if at least one is anchored into a stud behind the surface.  Try different positions prior to installing any bars. You can sit and stand acting as the patient to see what the best position is. Placing bars on the walls in the bathroom as well as in the hallway should be considered for support.  There are grab bars that clamp onto the wall of the tub to help getting into/ out of the tub.

Risers and safety bars are often needed for the toilet if sitting too low will be difficult after surgery. The first question we ask is what is the shape of the toilet? Is it standard round or elongated? Many seat risers will fit only one shape securely. Risers come in 3 ½ and 5 inch heights this means be sure of the height of the one who will use it all the time. Feet need to be touching the floor for comfort and safety. Safety bars help support the arms when sitting down and getting up. Some risers do come with arm rails as part of the riser then separate safety rails are not needed. Often customers will have taken a photo of the toilet to be sure of the shape when buying a riser.

Doors can be a problem if they get locked which many people do even at home, why is hard to answer. If you cannot disable the lock then try taping the latch so it will not engage the wall jam. This way the door can be opened in any emergency or a simple call for help. Some homes have removed the door then replaced it with a curtain.

Knowing you have done all you can for the safety of your loved one lets you sleep better while keeping them safer at home.  There are many options for bathroom safety these are just a few to think about.  For more ideas and to see many of the products mentioned stop by our showroom and also visit our website www.tucsonsafety.com

Other items to make the home safer as well as comfortable will be posted in the future.
If you have come up with unique ways to make the home safer, please tell us!

Visit us online today @ http://www.tucsonsafety.com/

Jerry@tucsonsafety.com

1740 E. Fort Lowell Road

Tucson, AZ 85719

520-628-7267

Sponsor of the Tucson SPOTLIGHT Senior Services
& Living Options Guide!

Call us today and say "I saw you in SPOTLIGHT!"