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The Springfield Fire Department has
implemented the “Remembering When”
program to assist our seniors in
maintaining a safe and independent
life style for as long as possible.
The National Fire Protection
Association, the Centers for Disease
Control, the Office of the Illinois
State Fire Marshall, the Illinois
Department of Aging, and the
Illinois Department of Public Health
are all participating in the
program.
The senior population in Springfield
continues to grow, with
approximately 15% of the entire
population being 65 or older. |
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Each year, approximately 7,000 older
adults, age 65 and older, die as a
result of home falls, and an
additional 1,000 die in their homes
from fires or burns. The Remembering
When™: a fire and fall prevention
program for older adults, developed
by the National Fire Protection
Association (NFPA) in cooperation
with the Centers for Disease Control
and Prevention (CDC), teaches older
adults to protect themselves from
fires and falls through trivia
quizzes, humor, and nostalgic
interactive games. The focus is fun,
but the safety messages are serious. |
The program consists of a home
safety survey, which will include
conditions of the home environment,
the number of smoke alarms,
nightlights, and carbon monoxide
alarms that may be present.
Informational tips on fall and fire
prevention are also provided.
During the visit, the existing smoke
alarms will be replaced with 10 year
lithium battery smoke alarms, and
the senior will be provided with
nightlights as needed.
These smoke alarms and nightlights
will be installed for the seniors at
NO COST. |
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The Springfield Fire Department will
not call seniors to solicit. The
senior or an authorized
representative with the knowledge
and consent of the senior must
request the program.
The visits usually takes between 30
and 45 minutes, and are scheduled in
advance, based on the senior’s
schedule.
To participate in the "Remembering
When" program or for more
information, contact the Fire Safety
Division at 789-2170 and ask for
Deputy Chief Dale Simpson |
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