Older adults can face greater risk from residential fires because of mobility limitations, hearing or vision loss, medical conditions, and medications that may affect alertness or response time.

Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Alarms

• Install smoke alarms on every level of the home, inside bedrooms, and outside sleeping areas.
• Install carbon monoxide alarms in appropriate locations, particularly if the home has fuel-burning appliances, a fireplace, or an attached garage.
• Test alarms regularly.
• Replace alarms according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
• Consider interconnected alarms so that when one sounds, they all sound.
• If hearing is limited, consider alarms that use flashing lights, bed shakers, or lower-frequency sounds.
• Never remove alarm batteries to stop nuisance alarms. Address the source of the problem or replace the alarm.

Residents who need assistance checking smoke alarms or have questions about fire safety may contact the Pinehurst Fire Department at 910-295-5575.

Create and Practice an Escape Plan

• Identify at least two ways out of each room when possible.
• Keep exits and hallways clear.
• Make sure doors and windows open easily.
• Keep mobility aids, eyeglasses, hearing aids, and a phone within reach at night.
• Choose a meeting place outside the home.
• Practice the plan with everyone in the household.
• If you cannot safely evacuate without assistance, discuss your needs with family members, caregivers, neighbors, and emergency personnel before an emergency occurs.

Reduce Common Fire Hazards

• Stay in the kitchen while cooking.
• Keep towels, paper products, and other combustible materials away from burners.
• Avoid loose clothing near an open flame.
• Keep space heaters at least three feet from anything that can burn.
• Plug space heaters directly into wall outlets.
• Have fireplaces, chimneys, and heating equipment professionally maintained.
• Do not overload electrical outlets or extension cords.
• Replace damaged cords.
• Never smoke in bed or near medical oxygen.
• Keep candles away from curtains, pets, and walking paths—or use battery-operated candles.

Additional guidance is available from the U.S. Fire Administration’s Fire Safety for Older Adults.

Help Emergency Responders Find You

Make sure your street number is:

• Clearly visible from the road
• Large enough to read at night
• Free from obstruction by trees, shrubs, decorations, or vehicles
• Displayed with contrasting or reflective numbers when possible

The Pinehurst Fire Department provides additional information about properly displaying your address.