In the first week of June 2023, there were two news stories regarding fires in assisted living centers. One of the fires was apparently caused by an unattended candle but thankfully the sprinkler system inside the building kept it at bay. That said, more than 50 firefighters responded to this event and 30 residents had to be evacuated.  

The second news story was a little less eventful but indeed, a fire was extinguished in an assisted living facility. The apparent cause of this fire was a smartphone with a lithium-ion battery that was left on a bed. What is a little frightening is that the resident moved the burning phone from the bed to the bathroom sink, preventing a full-blown fire/evacuation! 

A few good pointers from the Roswell Fire Department regarding electronic devices: 

• Avoid placing smartphones or any electronic devices on flammable surfaces, including beds, sofas or other upholstered furniture 
• Ensure proper ventilation around electronic devices to dissipate heat effectively 
• Never leave electronic devices unattended while charging or during extended usage periods 
• Regularly inspect and maintain electronic devices, checking for any signs of overheating, such as excessive heat, unusual sounds, or malfunctioning 
• Familiarize yourself with manufacturer guidelines and warnings regarding device usage and charging 

A good pointer from HealthCap regarding the use of candles in post-acute care settings, just say NO! There are so many options other than using candles, including the artificial, flickering ones that look real, electric candles, battery operated candles, etc. Make it a point to talk to your residents about safety and open flames, the two just don’t play well together. Check resident rooms while providing care and services, if a candle or any other safety issue is identified, address it in a timely manner. Check out HealthCap’s Resource and Education Center for disaster preparedness policies and procedures including evacuation protocols and remember, it is too late when a fire starts, prevention is the key! Stay well and stay informed! 

For more information on sheltering and evacuation:

ASPR TRACIE Topic Collection: Healthcare Facility Evacuation/Sheltering