Home Escape Planning
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In a fire situation, it is critical that everyone in the household knows what to do and where to go.
- Develop a home escape plan and review the plan with every member of the household, including the person with Alzheimer Disease.
- The plan should name who will assist the person with Alzheimer Disease, and any other person needing assistance to safely get out of the home.
- If appropriate, let neighbours know that someone with Alzheimer Disease is living next door. Develop a ‘buddy system’ with neighbours to assist in case of emergency or when you are away from the home.
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Smoking
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It is important to supervise an individual with Alzheimer Disease while they are smoking.
- Use large, deep ashtrays and consider putting water in the bottom for added safety.
- Wet down cigarette butts and ashes before putting them in the garbage.
- Placing a cookie sheet under the ashtray can prevent a cigarette and its hot ashes from falling onto furniture or clothing.
- Smoking outside, or while seated at a table, is safer than smoking on upholstered sofas or chairs.
- No one should ever smoke in bed, or in a home where oxygen is in use.
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Cooking
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If the person with Alzheimer Disease likes to cook, it is important to provide supervision and assist where necessary.
- Make sure they wear tight-fitting sleeves that to avoid contact with a hot burner.
- Keep all combustible materials a safe distance from the stove, (paper towels, utensils, recipes, or tea towels).
- Remove the fuses or knobs from the stove to prevent use during unsupervised times.
- Toasters, electric kettles, and other small appliances should be unplugged and stored out of sight when not in use.
- Microwave ovens can be a hazard that cause fires and burn injuries. Supervision is needed when they are in use.
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Candles
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If possible, all candles should be removed from the home of a person with Alzheimer Disease or related dementia.
If candles are present in the home:
- Make sure they are placed out of reach and enclosed in glass containers
- After lighting candles, store the matches or lighters out of sight
- Be sure to blow out all candles before leaving the room or going to bed
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Burns and Scalds Burns
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Scalds can be prevented by adjusting the temperature of water heaters to 54C (130F). If a burn or scald injury does occur, run cool water over the affected area for three to five minutes then seek medical attention, if necessary.
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