Safety Newsletter Nov. 2025 Fire & Winter !

   Maximum Care Inc Safety Newsletter November 2025

                       Topics: Fire Safety Tips and Information & Winter Preparedness

                                     FIRE SAFETY

Potential Fire Hazards

Fire Hazards could be all around us. Identifying and removing such issues could help prevent a fire, whether it be in your home, a client’s home, or a family member's home. Below are some potential fire hazards to be aware of and apply to your everyday life.

1. Watch that the power cards are not overloaded. When they get overloaded and too hot, they can catch fire.

   

2. Candles make sure there is nothing that can fall onto the flame of the candles, and never leave them unsupervised while burning them.

3. Be careful when smoking a cigarette, have an ashtray to put the butts in, and watch that you do not fall asleep with a lit cigarette in your mouth.

4. Keep flammables and combustibles away from space heaters. If using kerosene, ensure it contains the proper fuel. When using a fireplace, keep a screen in front to keep ash or other hot debris from flying out of the fireplace and landing on something flammable. 

   

5. Curtains that are too close to a stove or open flames can catch fire..

6.   Matches and lighters should be kept away from the reach of children.     

7.   Stoves:

   1. A buildup of grease on a stove top can contribute to a fire

   2. You should always stay in the room with food while it is cooking

   3. Pot and pan handles should face in and not hang off the stove, especially if there are children around

8. Christmas trees can go up in flames and be fully engulfed in 7 seconds. To help prevent this:

   1. Keep water in the base to keep it hydrated

   2. Keep it a minimum of 3ft from heat sources

   3. Examine the cord to make sure it is in good shape 

   4. Ensure all light or other electric decorations are in good shape with good cords

Be Prepared

While no one ever wants to be involved in a fire, being prepared for one is always a good idea. There are many ways to be ready.    

1. Have an escape plan and practice it with your family and children.

   1.  Remember to include your pets in the plan      

   2. Make sure you have a meeting point close to your house, but far enough away that you will be safe.   

   3.   All family members should know the meeting place   

   4.   Practice:

      1. Keeping low

      2. Feeling doors with the back of the hand

      3. Stop, Drop, and Roll in case of a fire

2.   It is helpful to have emergency ladders in upstairs bedrooms

   

3.   Smoke Detectors

   1. They are very important because they can tell you about a fire and save your life before it gets too bad. Some fire companies can provide you with them, or check if yours are up to standard. A smoke detector is suitable for about 8 to 10 years, at which point the entire unit should be replaced

   2.    Minimum of 1 per level

      1. Should be:

         1.  1 in/near kitchen

         2. 1 by each bedroom

         3. 1 by the living room

   3. Batteries (if a battery-operated one) should be replaced twice a year (think daylight savings time).

   4. Should be tested monthly

4. Fire Extinguishers

   1. There are different classes; you should make sure you have the right class of fire extinguishers for your needs. The classes are:

      1. Class A: Ordinary Combustibles (e.g., wood, paper, trash)

      2. Class B: Flammable Liquids and Gases (e.g., gasoline, methane)              

      3. Class C: Electrical; Means non-Electrically Conductive (e.g., power going to it)

      4. Class D: Combustible Metals (e.g., Titanium, Magnesium).

      5. Class K: Cooking Fats and Greases

   2. Treated once a year, some companies can provide this service, or your local fire department may also be able to assist with this.

   3. Should be stored off the ground; holders are available

   4. When needing to use one, it is essential to remember:

   5. PASS

      1. P- Pull the pin,

      2. A- Aim low (think base of fire)

      3. S- Squeeze the trigger,

      4. S- Sweep the extinguisher from side to side

Winter Preparedness 

As winter approaches, it is essential to consider certain factors and prepare our clients for the upcoming winter months. 

1. Some things to have your clients do in the winter are:

   1. keep their homes warm

      1.  Set their thermostat to at least (68F) to (70F)

      2.   Use draft stoppers for doors and windows.

   2. wear warm layers of clothing (even indoors)

   3. take precautions against falls by using non-slip footwear

   4. Use heating safely:

      1. If using space heaters, keep them at least three feet from flammable materials

      2. Turn them off when leaving the room.

      3.  Always use screens on fireplaces.

   1. Install detectors:

      1.  Ensure they have working carbon monoxide (CO) detectors, especially if using space heaters or fireplaces.

   2. Keep on hand an emergency kit with a supply of items such as

      1. non-perishable foods

      2. water

      3. warm blankets

      4. flashlights and extra batteries

   3. Have them have a backup for snow shoveling in case of need if they are responsible for that (DCWs are not permitted to do so)

   4. Be aware of hypothermia -Hypothermia occurs when the body's temperature drops below 95°F due to exposure to cold temperatures. It can lead to serious health problems such as irregular heartbeat and damage to organs. It can also happen at cool temperatures if you become chilled from rain, sweat, or cold water. It is important to be aware of warning signs and early symptoms, including:

      1.  Cold feet and hands

      2. Puffy or swollen face

      3. Shivering or shaking

      4. Slowed or slurred speech

      5. Feeling:

         1. sleepy

         2.   angry

         3. confused

   5. Older adults are more likely to have certain chronic medical conditions that make it harder to stay warm, such as:

      1. Diabetes- can prevent blood from flowing normally to provide warmth.

      2. Thyroid problems- can affect the body’s ability to maintain a normal body temperature.

      3. Parkinson’s disease and arthritis- can make it challenging to put on more clothes, use a blanket, or get out of the cold.

      4. Memory problems- can cause a person to forget to take precautions for staying weather-safe, such as wearing appropriate attire.

2. Some reminders for you as a caregiver in the winter

   1. When bad weather allows for extra travel time

   2. If a snowstorm is predicted, try to set your client up and/or service them ahead of time if possible

   3. Wear proper footwear for the weather

      

   4. Keep extra stuff in your car in case of getting stuck, such as:

      1. Blankets

      2. Hoodie

      3.    Water

      4. Nonperishable foods

      5. Flashlight and batteries

   Any topic ideas for future Safety newsletter, please reach out to Keri at 610-264-2353 or keri@maximumcareinc.com For more safety tips and other information, please visit our website at www.maximumcareinc.com, follow us on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/maximumcarehealth, and on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/maximumcarepa.