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

Abstract

AbstractIntroduction: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.