Smoke Alarm Project for Seniors Is Underway!
Through its Older Adult Fire Safety Project, funded by FEMA’s Fire Prevention and Safety grant program, NYSAFC is working with 13 fire departments across New York state to install smoke alarms in the homes of seniors. The project targets 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 started earlier in 2013 and, by the time it concludes in March 2014, will allow more than 2,000 smoke alarms to be installed in the homes of seniors. Recipient households will also be educated about fire safety and prevention and smoke alarm maintenance. Seniors will also 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.
On October 4, 2013, the Clifton Park Fire Department kicked-off their participation in the NYSAFC Older Adult Fire Safety Project by conducting a press conference, which was covered by multiple newspapers and television stations in the Capital District area. The press conference was part of the department’s Fire Safety Week activities.
On November 5, 2013, approximately 35 firefighters from the Ausable Forks Fire Department and District #3 Fire Department of the Town of Plattsburgh participated in a project training conducted by NYSAFC Programs Assistant Sue Syzdek and NYSAFC Public Education Committee Chairman and Clinton County Deputy Coordinator Scott Ewing.
During the project training, Ewing took a moment to recognize Past Chief George Rivers of the Rouses Point Fire Department. Rivers is a longtime member of NYSAFC’s board of directors. "Director Rivers has been a strong supporter of local fire prevention efforts over the years. It was gratifying to have him attend the training and welcome the new program into our area."
Anyone with questions about the Older Adult Fire Safety Project should contact NYSAFC Programs Assistant Sue Syzdek at (800) 676-3473 or via email.
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Pictured above, at left: Past Chief Art Hunsinger of the Clifton Park Fire Department, State Senator Kathy Marchione, Assemblyman James Tedisco, NYSAFC Pub Ed Committee Vice Chairman Tim Boel, and other local officials at the press conference held in Clifton Park, N.Y.
Pictured above, at right: Chief Greg Burnell (District #3 Fire Department of the Town of Plattsburgh), Director George Rivers (NYSAFC board of directors), Chairman Scott Ewing (NYSAFC Pub Ed Committee), and Chief Michael Cross (Ausable Forks Fire Department) at the project training held in Clinton County.
New York State Association of Fire Chiefs