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The North Okanagan is home to a vibrant senior community, many of whom live independently and cherish their homes and routines. But with rising wildfire threats and the ever-present risk of house fires, seniors face unique challenges that can make fire safety more complex—and more critical.
According to a study conducted at the Unversity of the Fraser Valley, Canadian seniors are two and a half times more likely to die in a structure fire than other demographics. Further, for seniors who are 85 and older that risk quadruples. The highest cause of death for seniors during a fire was due to the deceadant entering or remaining in the building to try and fight the fire and being injured during an attempt to escape the fire. The third most common cause seniors perished in fires was due to confusion or panic.
Interestingly, 90% of the time fatalities occurred when there was no physical or mental impairment, or while the senior was bedridden or asleep. The outcomes were similar whether there was a working smoke alarm or not.
Why Seniors Are More Vulnerable in Fire Emergencies
Several factors increase fire-related risks for older adults:
- Mobility limitations can slow evacuation or make it impossible without assistance.
- Cognitive impairments may affect decision-making or awareness during emergencies.
- Living alone means no one is there to help or call for assistance.
- Senses incuding hearing, vision, smell and touch are often less sharp
- Lack of transportation—many seniors no longer drive or own a vehicle.
- Limited financial resources can prevent upgrades to fire safety systems or emergency planning.
- Medical equipment like oxygen tanks can increase fire hazards.
These challenges make it essential to have proactive fire safety plans tailored to seniors’ needs.
Fire Safety Tips for Seniors
Here are some practical steps seniors—and their families—can take to stay safe:
1. Home Evaluation
- Do a home insurance evaluatuon. Do you have all of the coverages you need? Is your policy valid? Does it cover wildfire damage? Does it cover accomodations if you have a home fire?
- Place alarms in every sleeping area and on every level of the home. Use models with flashing lights or vibration for those with hearing impairments. Test monthly and replace batteries twice a year.
- Ensure all doors and windows are able to be opened by all occupants in the home.
- Make sure exits are not cluttered or covered/blocked by furniture
- Keep at least one fire extinguisher in your home
2. Use Fire-Safe Equipment
- Avoid space heaters or candles; opt for flameless alternatives.
- Ensure oxygen tanks are stored safely and away from heat sources.
- Keep electrical cords in good condition and avoid overloading outlets.
3. Create an emergency Plan
- Design a simple, clear escape route with minimal obstacles. Print a copy of the plan on paper so it is easily accessible to seiors not comfortable on computers/mobile phones.
- You can create a plan online here. This is a very simple step by step questionnaire that will walk you through a basic emergency plan, then you can print it or save it on your phone so that you have it at your fingertips when you need it.
- You can also download this one & fill it out offline if you prefer.
- Practice the plan, especially if mobility is an issue.
- Keep a phone or emergency alert device within reach at all times.
- Arrange a transportation plan in advance (if you do not drive)—consider neighbors, family, or community services.
- Try to create a support network or relationship with at least two people who you can rely on to help with whatever deficit you may be facing in an emergency situation. Example, someone who can & will come and pick you up if you do not drive during an evacuation. Make sure that person has a copy of your emergency plan, keys to your home, and access to whatever else you may need.
- Pick a meeting place or a secondary location close to your home in case you have to leave your current location immediately.
4. Prepare for Wildfire Evacuations
- Register with local emergency alert systems or contact your community’s Emergency Management Program to find out how it will share alerts and instructions during an emergency, whether it’s by social media, mobile alerts, sirens, radio or television. Knowing where to get credible information during an emergency is important so you can make good decisions. The City of Vernon, and most cities & towns in the North Okanagan use a system called Alertable. You can Sign Up for Alertable now for free, and when serius events, evacuations, closures, restrictions, hazards etc. happen, you will recieve all of the latest information from your local government. Check out CivicInfoBC to find the contact information for your specific community.
- Create a “Go Bag” with medications, copies of important documents, extra eye glasses (when you get a new set, just throw the old ones in your go bag), an extra hearing aid and hearing aid batteries, charging cords for electronics, a list of contact information for family or other important contacts, water, and some non perishable food items. Have the bag as near to your exit a possible. Here is what the Government of Canada Suggests you have in yur emergency bag at al times.
- If you rely on prescription medication, talk to your primary care provider about how to keep an extra supply or valid prescription in your "Go Bag".
- If you have been evacuated, and do not have insurance or can not afford basic services, register here: EMCR ERA Registrant Portal for support from the BC Government.
5. Stay Connected
- As soon as you can, check in with family, friends, & caregivers to let them know you are safe, and ask for their support should you need it.
- Join community programs that offer wellness checks or emergency support. North Okanagan seniors have a great program from Vernon Seniors Care Senior Companionship Services Vernon Seniors Care Vernon, BC that offer a variety of services for seniors, and may be able to help you find support and planning for emergency preparedness. They support most communities throughout the North Okanagan, not just Vernon. You can also call them 250-308-4156
How We Can Help After a Fire
If a fire does occur, seniors may be especially vulnerable to the emotional and physical aftermath. That’s where professional restoration services come in:
- Immediate cleanup and safety assessments to prevent further harm.
- Odor and smoke removal to restore air quality and comfort.
- Structural repairs to make the home safe and livable again.
- Compassionate support—we understand the trauma and offer respectful, patient service.
We are committed to helping seniors recover with dignity and care. Whether it’s a small kitchen fire or a wildfire evacuation, we’re here to restore homes and peace of mind.
We encourage families, caregivers, and community organizations to work together to ensure seniors are prepared and protected. Fire safety isn’t just about prevention—it’s about empowerment, connection, and compassion.
Contact us today for a free consultation or emergency response. Let’s keep our senior community safe, supported, and resilient.
More Resources:
- Should you be displaced or evacuated from your residence due to an emergency, the Emergency Support Services (ESS) program is activated. After an emergency event, the ESS program is intended to support persons for up to 72 hours where insurance policies fall short in providing the basic essentials of life; shelter, clothing, food and some incidentals. Emergency Support | Regional District of North Okanagan
- This is a great resource from FEMA with a lot of information for older adults including a disaster preparedness guide. FEMA Disaster Preparedness Guide for Older Adults
- This website has a lot of tips and info for Older Adults and emergency preparedness. It is from the USA, but has a lot of valuable resources that will apply anywhere. Older Adults | Ready.gov
- Some information on disaster preparedness for Older Adults from The Red Cros Emergency Preparedness for Older Adults - Canadian Red Cross