The Eastern Shore of Virginia has had three fatal house fires in the last 10 weeks — one each in Capeville, Painter, and Saxis.
In each case, a person with health or mobility concerns perished in the blaze.
This string of fatalities should give us all pause and make us recommit to fire safety in our home — and the homes of others.
While the cause of the fires is being investigated, in at least two of the incidents there was an initial report that the victim was smoking cigarettes while using supplemental oxygen.
It should be repeated that it is extremely dangerous to be around an open flame near oxygen equipment. While patients on home oxygen are repeatedly told not to smoke, some still do. Oxygen supports combustion, and fires in an oxygen-rich environment spread quickly.
Also, anything that could give a spark should not be near oxygen in use.
Here are other items to consider when discussing fire safety with the elderly.
— Like everyone else, people with compromised mobility should have an escape plan. They should be aware of at least two ways of leaving a dwelling and their walkers or wheelchairs should be easily accessible.
— Do not leave the kitchen while you are cooking. It is easy to forget that something is on the stove. Also, do not wear baggy clothing around stoves and do not start cooking after taking medicine that makes you drowsy.
— Make sure smoke alarms work. Test them every month and replace batteries at least once annually
