NYSAFC Obtains Funding for a New Smoke Alarm Project

NYSAFC recently received funding from FEMA’s Fire Prevention and Safety Grant Program to conduct a Smoke Alarms for Older Adults Project. The initiative is getting underway now and will run until the end of summer 2016.

The Smoke Alarms for Older Adults Project will target older adults, those aged 65-plus, as they are one of the groups with the highest risk for fire-related injury and death. The project will allow participating fire departments to install more than 2,500 smoke alarms statewide in the homes of seniors. Recipient households will also be educated about fire safety and prevention and smoke alarm maintenance. Seniors will have a chance to talk with firefighters about fire escape planning, an especially important topic for older adults who may have sensory or mobility impairments, and fire department personnel will be able to work with seniors to help them address their own specific needs.

As part of the project, NYSAFC will also be developing an online smoke alarm resource center that can be accessed by both fire educators and the public. The resource center will include information about the types of smoke alarms currently available, smoke alarm installation and maintenance, and general fire safety education.

The Smoke Alarms for Older Adults Project is NYSAFC’s third smoke alarm installation project in five years and continues the association’s commitment to helping local fire departments increase the prevalence of working smoke alarms among high risk populations.

If your department is interested in participating in the Smoke Alarms for Older Adults Project, contact NYSAFC Grants Administrator Sue Syzdek via email or by calling (800) 676-3473.