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Fire Safety Knowledge and Practices Among Residents of an Assisted Living Facility

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  28 June 2012

David Jaslow*
Affiliation:
Temple University Department of Emergency Medicine, Division of EMS, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA Bryn Athyn Fire Company, Bryn Athyn, Pennsylvania, USA
Jacob Ufberg
Affiliation:
Temple University Department of Emergency Medicine, Division of EMS, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
Russell Yoon
Affiliation:
Temple University Department of Emergency Medicine, Division of EMS, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
Clay McQueen
Affiliation:
Bryn Athyn Fire Company, Bryn Athyn, Pennsylvania, USA
Derek Zecher
Affiliation:
Temple University Department of Emergency Medicine, Division of EMS, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA Bryn Athyn Fire Company, Bryn Athyn, Pennsylvania, USA
Greg Jakubowski
Affiliation:
Bryn Athyn Fire Company, Bryn Athyn, Pennsylvania, USA
*
Albert Enstein Medical Center, Department of Emergency Medicine, Division of EMS/Disaster Medicine, 60 E. Township Line Road, Elkins Park, PA 19027USA E-mail: [email protected]

Abstract

Introduction:

Assisted living facilities (ALFs) pose unique fire risks to the elderly that may be linked to specific fire safety (FS) practices.

Objective:

To evaluate self-reported FS practices among ALF residents.

Methods:

All residents of a small ALF were surveyed regarding actual and hypothetical FS behaviors, self-perceived fire risk, and FS preparedness.

Results:

Fifty-eight ALF residents completed the survey. Thirty-three 58%) individuals reported one or more disabilities. Seven (12%) residents ignored the fire alarm and 21 (35%) could not hear it clearly. Sixteen (28%) residents would attempt to locate the source of a fire rather than escape from the building. Only 24 (42%) residents were familiar with the building fire plan.Twenty-three (40%) people surveyed believed that they were not at risk of fire in the study facility.

Conclusion:

Residents of an ALF may be at increased fire injury risk due to their FS practices and disabilities.

Type
Brief Report
Copyright
Copyright © World Association for Disaster and Emergency Medicine 2005

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