Elderly about home fire safety: A qualitative study into home fire safety knowledge and behaviour. (September 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Karemaker, Margo; ten Hoor, Gill A.; Hagen, René R.; van Schie, Carine H.M.; Boersma, Karin; Ruiter, Robert A.C.
• Is Part Of: Fire safety journal. Volume 124(2021)
• Publication Date: 2021-09
• Subjects: Home fire safety knowledge -- Fire safe behaviour -- Fire prevention -- Elderly -- Qualitative research; Fire prevention -- Periodicals; Incendies -- Prévention -- Recherche -- Périodiques; Fire prevention -- Research; Periodicals; 628.92205
• DOI: 10.1016/j.firesaf.2021.103391
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0379-7112

Abstract

Abstract: Elderly people are a high-risk group when it comes to fire in their homes and interventions are needed. A needs assessment regarding fire safe behaviour was conducted to 1) establish the perspectives of adults aged 65 years and older concerning fire-related topics, and 2) inform the design of fire safety programs. Qualitative interviews were conducted to study fire safety knowledge and fire safe behaviour among elderly in their home situation. The findings showed that participants lack detailed knowledge about risk behaviours that might cause a fire and their knowledge is limited to sources of fire or moments at which a fire can occur. However, elderly people do take preventive measures such as installing smoke alarms and planning an escape route. Determinants that are found to influence fire safe behaviour among elderly people are risk perception, self-efficacy, habits, and perceived barriers such as physical disabilities. Elderly perceive the risk of home fires as low while feeling confident in their abilities to act in case of a fire. This study broadens the field of fire safety by focusing on behaviours of elderly people and the underlying determinants, but more (quantitative) research is needed to confirm our findings. Highlights: Interventions are needed to improve fire safety amongst elderly people. To improve fire safe behaviour, insight in behavioural determinants is necessary. Elderly people lack detailed knowledge of risk behaviours that might cause a fire. Elderly people feel confident in their abilities to act in case of a fire.