

In general older adults 65 years and older are twice as likely to be killed or injured in a fire, compared to the population at large. That risk increases to three times that of the general population by age 75 and four times by age of 85. Over 1/3 (34%) of fatal fire victims in 2010 were older adults over the age of 65. Flame burn injuries were the leading cause of burns to older adults. Flame burns caused 40% of the burn injuries in senior citizens. Scalds followed with 33%, fires with 17%, contacts with 7%, and explosions with 3%. It is important that senior citizens do everything in their power to prevent fires and survive to teach their grandchildren about fire safety.

Nominate a Golden Hero 
To notify the Groton Fire Department about a senior citizen whose actions during an emergency are deserving of recognition, contact FF/EMT Paul McBrearty at  978-448-6333