Each year, approximately 1,100 Americans 65 and older die in home fires and another 3,000 are injured. These statistics, combined with the fact that adults ages 50 or more care for and will soon enter this high-risk group, inspired USFA to develop a new public education campaign targeting people ages 50-plus, their families and caregivers. People between 65 and 74 are nearly twice as likely to die in a home fire as the rest of the population. People between 75 and 84 are nearly four times as likely to die in a fire. People ages 85 and older are more than five times as likely to die in a fire. A Fire Safety Campaign for People 50-Plus encourages people ages 50 and older - including the high risk 65-plus group - to practice fire-safe behaviors to reduce fire deaths and injuries. The strategy is to inform and motivate adults as they enter their fifties so that stronger fire safety and prevention practices are integrated into their lives prior to entering the higher fire-risk decades. In addition, many Baby Boomers are currently caring for family members ages 65-plus and can encourage fire safe habits.

A Fire Safety Campaign for People 50-Plus is a new campaign developed by the United States Fire Administration for our Fire Service partners. In this Campaign Guide you will find: 1) A "how to" introduction to using materials in the Campaign Guides; 2) Campaign fact sheet and flier - in English and Spanish - that can easily be copied and distributed in your community; and 3) Sample media materials, including a news release and live-read radio script, a print public service ad, and tips on how to get the media to use your fire safety materials