Electrician Smoke Alarm Installation,
Written by Walt Meyer

Keeping Seniors Electrically Safe at Home – Part 2

As discussed in Part 1, the probability of electrical accidents for the elderly at home is higher because many live in older or low-quality housing equipped with outdated or faulty electrical systems and appliances. The risk increases if the senior has a condition that affects mobility and memory, such as Parkinson’s or dementia. Part 2 will discuss assistive technology, heating safety, and smoke alarms

Assistive Technology

The installation and use of assistive technology is an efficient method to decrease the chances of electrical accidents for elderly at home. Below are the features that will help promote safety:

  • Automatic off switches for cooking appliances that prevent overheating.
  • Safety devices that automatically cut electricity, gas, and water.
  • Simple controls for appliances intended to help those with dementia.

Heating Safety

Keeping a home comfortably warm during the colder months can lead to costly utility bills. As a result, those with limited incomes like senior citizens turn to electrical blankets and portable heaters as economical alternatives for supplementing main heating sources powered by gas or electricity. Unfortunately, their improper usage can lead to deadly electrical fires, which occur much more often during winter.

Smoke Alarms

Each home or apartment should be equipped with smoke alarms, and they should be tested annually. Any alarm older than 10 years should be replaced. A smoke alarm should be installed inside each bedroom, outside each sleeping space, and on each floor. Interconnected smoke alarms offer the best protection because when one is activated, so are the others.

Maryland’s Smoke Alarm Law requires the replacement of 9-volt battery only powered smoke alarms with smoke alarms that are sealed and powered by 10-year service life batteries with a silence or hush feature.

Electrical Safety Foundation International Safety Guide for Seniors

http://files.esfi.org/file/Home-Fire-Safety-for-Older-Adults-Safety-Awareness-Program-Toolkit.pdf

Electrical Services You Can Trust

Founded in 1991 and serving Maryland, Virginia, and D.C., where we are licensed and insured, Meyer Electrical Services provides home and commercial electrical services you can trust, including:

  • Standby Generator Installation
  • Panel Upgrades (Heavy-Ups)
  • Electrical Vehicle Charging Stations
  • Structured Cabling
  • Circuit Breaker Replacement

Based in Bethesda, our team proudly serves all of Montgomery County. Receive a free consultation for custom electrical work today by calling (301) 941-1400.