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Athol Fire Department
Senior Safe
In Massachusetts, adults aged 65 and older are two times more likely to die in fires than any other age group. The Senior SAFE Grant Program was created to address fire safety for older adults. The program was approved by the Massachusetts State Legislature and is funded through the Fire Standard Compliant (FSC) Cigarette Program. It provides funding to local fire departments to improve fire and life safety of older adults through education that addresses the unique fire risks of this age group.
What is Senior SAFE?
In Massachusetts, adults aged 65 and older are two times more likely to die in fires than any other age group. In FY14, the Senior SAFE Grant Program was created to address fire safety for older adults. The program was approved by the Massachusetts State Legislature and is funded through the Fire Standard Compliant (FSC) Cigarette Program. It provides funding to local fire departments to improve fire and life safety of older adults through education that addresses the unique fire risks of this age group.
Fire Risks
Physical and mental changes occur during the aging process that may limit the ability of older adults to react quickly in an emergency. Changes in vision, hearing, sense of touch, memory, cognitive ability, and mobility may impact safety. Fire risks for this age group include:
• Cooking
• Heating
• Electrical
• Smoking
• Use of home or medical oxygen
What is included in the Senior SAFE Program?
Senior SAFE also aims to improve safety in senior housing. Programs include:
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smoke and carbon monoxide alarm installation
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testing and replacing batteries
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installation of house numbers
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heating limiting devices on stoves
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in-hood stove fire extinguishers
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nightlights
Education is key to improving the safety of seniors at home. Senior SAFE creates partnerships between agencies that serve seniors and fire departments. Together, these agencies collaborate on local fire and life safety education programs.
Keeping Seniors Safe
* Information courtesy of the NFPA