According to the U.S. Fire Administration, people over the age of 65 have a home fire death rate nearly twice the national average. For those over 75, that risk nearly triples. These statistics are alarming, especially when researchers estimate that by the year 2030, there will be more than 70 million senior Americans. In Canada, the Office of the Ontario Fire Marshall reports that seniors over the age of 65 accounted for 30 percent of all fire fatalities reported between 1999 and 2008.

Taking home fire safety precautions can help keep seniors safe and can also mean the difference between life and death. So it is important that everyone keep the following senior fire safety tips in mind:

- The American Burn Association recommends keeping your eyeglasses, hearing aids and a flashlight close to the bed. Looking around for these things during a fire can cost you valuable, life-saving time.

- Never smoke in bed or while lying on the couch. According to the National Fire Protection Association, smoldering cigarettes are the leading cause of fire deaths in the U.S.

- Never leave food unattended on the stove. When leaving the kitchen, take a wooden spoon or potholder as a reminder to return and turn off the oven and or burners.

- Turn off space heaters when you leave the room or go to sleep. Space heaters can be a serious senior fire safety risk. Be extremely cautious when using both space and kerosene heaters and always keep at least three feet between portable heaters and anything that can burn, including clothing, drapery, blankets, furniture, papers and even pets.

- Install smoke and carbon monoxide alarms and consider monitored detection services. According to the U.S. Fire Administration, every year over 1,200 senior citizens die in fires. Many of these fire deaths may have been prevented with monitored smoke detection services connected to a monitoring center that operates 24/7 and can alert seniors, their care givers and first responders to a home fire.

- Consider technology such as bedside fire alarm clocks and bed shakers. These are designed to awaken heavy sleepers and seniors with hearing loss.

Taking fire safety precautions is important for everyone, especially seniors who are living longer, more independent lives in their own homes.

*Content expressed in Home Security Source does not represent the thoughts and opinions of ADT Security Services, Inc. unless explicitly indicated.