Knowledge is Key to Safety & Independence
Scroll to the bottom of the page for frequently asked questions.
Did you know older adults are more likely to be happy, patient, and content when compared with younger counterparts? Growing older has many benefits, but statistics show that certain risks can also increase with age.
Have a Plan.
Think about your individual needs. Be sure to keep glasses, hearing aid, cane or wheel chair close to your bed at night. If there is an emergency, you will be able to grab them quickly as you leave.
Increased Risk
"Older adults are 2x as likely to be injured or killed by fires than the population at large"
-
National Fire Protection Association
Smoke Alarms Save Lives
" Almost three out of five home fire deaths were caused by fires in properties with no smoke alarms (41 percent) or smoke alarms that failed to operate (16 percent)."
- National Fire Protection Association
Falls are NOT Inevitable
"Research has identified many conditions that contribute to falling. These are called risk factors. Many risk factors can be changed or modified to help prevent falls."
- Center for Disease Control and Prevention
Frequently Asked Questions
When do smoke alarms need to be replaced?
Smoke alarms need to be replaced every 10 years, or sooner. Click here for more information on smoke alarms.
Where can I dispose of household hazardous waste?
Do you offer home safety assessments for fall prevention?
Yes! Please email [email protected] to connect with a Community Risk Reduction Specialist. This CDC resource, Check for Safety: A Home Fall Prevention Checklist for Older Adults, is also a great place to start.
Do you offer Wildfire Home Assessments?
Yes! A wildfire home assessment typically takes 20 minutes. We will walk around the home together to evaluate the external conditions of your home. We will also look at the surrounding property to determine its susceptibility to wildfire and what actions you can take to make your home more defensible. Please email [email protected] to connect with a Community Risk Reduction Specialist.
What if I am hard of hearing and I can't hear my smoke alarm?
There are other solutions for those who may not be able to depend on a traditional alarm. This fact sheet from the National Fire Protection Association provides information for community members who are deaf or hard of hearing.
What else can I do to prevent falls?
While there are many things you can do to limit your risk, taking a class is a great start. Visit the "Classes & Information" tab for class times near you.
For more information on what you can do to prevent falls, visit the Older Adult Fall Prevention section of the CDC website.