Senior citizen carries burning mattress out of the apartment

Senior Citizen Bravely Extinguishes Apartment Fire

A 99-year-old woman showcased incredible bravery when she cleverly tackled a potential fire catastrophe in her apartment. The elderly lady removed a flaming mattress from her residence and onto her balcony, where it reportedly burned out in a controlled manner, according to the police. Luckily, the woman remained unscathed throughout the ordeal. The fire seems to have started on Monday evening, presumably due to an issue with a self-heating comforter. After the fire department ventilated the apartment, the resilient senior returned to her rooms.

Police Commendation

The local police lauded the woman's quick-thinking and valor, indicating that her actions likely prevented a larger-scale fire. Upon arrival, the fire department commended the senior's resolve and proceeded to secure the apartment's safety. The Fire Department of Baden-Württemberg acknowledged her bravery in a statement, reassuring residents about their unwavering commitment to public safety.

Senior Fire Safety Tips

To minimize risks from smaller household fires, such as those involving a mattress, seniors should adhere to these safety recommendations:

1. Prevention
   • Install smoke alarms on every floor and outside every sleeping area. Test them monthly and replace the batteries once a year.
   • Utilize fire-resistant mattresses, especially for seniors with mobility issues.
   • Maintain electrical safety by avoiding running electrical cords under rugs or using candles for fires.
2. Fire Safety Tips
   • Practice safe cooking habits by never leaving food unattended and keeping the kitchen area clean.
   • Place space heaters away from flammable materials, ensuring they are well-ventilated. Use oven mitts and avoid extension cords when necessary.
   • If you smoke, smoke outside, and only use deep sturdy ashtrays. Dispose of hot butts and ashes responsibly by wetting them first.
3. Escape Plan
   • Know at least two ways out of every room and have an escape plan ready for all home levels.
   • Designate a meeting point outside your home for the whole family to gather during a fire.
4. In Case of Fire
   • Stop, drop, and roll to extinguish clothing fires and cool burns with water.
   • Crawl low and maintain contact with walls to reach the nearest exit, without opening potentially hot doors.
   • Call 9-1-1 once safely outside and provide your exact location if necessary.
5. Additional Tips
   • Keep bedroom doors closed while sleeping for added time to escape if a fire occurs.
   • Place a telephone near your bed for emergency contact access.

By incorporating these guidelines, seniors can drastically reduce injury or death risks from small household fires.