Seniors and people with disabilities are most vulnerable when it comes to fire.
If you are considering a care, long-term care or retirement home for yourself, a relative, or a friend, here are some important questions to ask the operators of these facilities:
- Has the facility had a recent fire safety inspection?
- Is the building well maintained?
- Are the doors and hallways free of obstructions?
- Are there fire safety features in place, such as: sprinklers, extinguishers, clear exits, smoke alarms, emergency lighting, self-closing devices on doors, general fire alarm?
- If there is a safety plan (approved by the fire department) in place and is it reviewed regularly?
- Have staff received fire safety training?
- Are fire drills held regularly?
- Is the room/floor of the building suitable given your loved one’s ability to evacuate in the event of a fire?
- Are there enough staff available to carry out an evacuation/escape plan if there is a fire?
- Are there guidelines for people who smoke such as a designated outdoor area, separate room and/or staff supervision?
