A home that won’t burn, won’t collapse, and can be exited

The five household fire causes, the smoke alarm rules, and a checklist to prepare together — before the next earthquake or fire.

Older adults react more slowly and evacuate less easily. That makes fires and earthquakes especially dangerous. The task is to prepare a home that won’t burn, won’t collapse, and can be exited.

1. The five leading fire causes in older-adult households

• 1. Cooktops — sleeve fires, tempura oil overheating
• 2. Cigarettes — smoking in bed, careless disposal of ash
• 3. Space heaters — flammable items too close
• 4. Electrical equipment — dust-tracking on old wiring
• 5. Buddhist altars — incense sticks, candles

2. The household smoke alarm

In Japan, smoke alarms have been required in every home since 2006. Bedrooms and stairways are non-negotiable. Battery-only units should be replaced as a unit every ten years. Press the test button once a month to confirm the alarm still works. For those with hearing loss, alarms with strong strobe lights or bed-shakers are commercially available.

3. Cooktop and heater safety

• Switch to a modern cooktop with overheat sensors and auto-shutoff (in Japan, “Si sensor” cooktops).
• Do not place paper, cloth, or seasoning bottles beside the burner.
• Keep everything flammable at least 1 meter from a space heater or fan heater.
• Turn heaters off before sleeping or going out. Always.
• Use arm covers to keep long sleeves from brushing the burner while cooking.

4. Electrical and gas safety

Twice a year, wipe dust off wall outlets — this prevents “tracking fires,” where dust and humidity conduct current across the plug prongs. Do not daisy-chain extension cords. Have old wiring or gas lines inspected by a professional. Watch food while it heats in the microwave. Consider switching from gas cooktops to induction (IH), which never has an open flame.

5. Earthquake preparation

• Anchor tall furniture — dressers, bookshelves, televisions — to the wall.
• Apply anti-shatter film to windows and glass doors.
• Keep slippers, a flashlight, and a whistle by the bed.
• Do not place your bed in the direction furniture would fall.
• Use seismic latches on cupboard doors.

6. Emergency supplies

Store water (3 liters per person per day, for 3–7 days), food, essential medications, a copy of the medication booklet, spare glasses and hearing-aid batteries, adult diapers or a portable toilet, a radio, and a mobile battery. The easiest way to sustain this is rolling stock — buy a little extra of things you already use, and replace as you consume.

7. Evacuation preparation and drills

Walk the evacuation route together as a family once a year. If your municipality maintains a registry of residents needing assistance during a disaster, sign up. Know which “welfare shelters” have been designated for those with special needs. Introduce yourself to the neighbors. Join the local disaster drill.