| Abstrakt: |
This paper concerns the fire safety needs of older people living in private residences. It includes consideration of the limitations of current consumer fire safety products (primarily smoke detectors) and design improvements that better meet the human factors requirements of this population. Older people suffer especially high residential fire death rates, and most of these deaths occur in private homes, where the resident/victim had primary responsibility for fire safety. The literature on human behavior during fires indicates certain differences in the behavior of older and younger adults, but this is based on limited data from often inappropriate populations (institutional settings). A review of currently available products, and their use, found that these products did not adequately meet the needs, nor match the capabilities, of older people. In fact, the need to climb to ceiling level to install, test, and maintain single station smoke alarms introduces a significant safety hazard of its own. Focus discussion groups of older homeowners identified various attitudes, problems, and behaviors, important for improved product design. A review of existing products and technologies identified various features which could benefit elderly users, and practical technologies that could be adapted from other applications (e.g., security systems). Based on the literature review, product/technology review, and focus groups, a set of fire-safety product needs and desirable features was developed, including a set of seventeen specific design features/functions. Substantial improvement in fire safety product usefulness for older users can be achieved in a cost-effective manner. |
