Programs deliver life-saving information to children and seniors

In April, the Healey-Driscoll Administration announced $1.9 million in grants that will help 229 local fire departments deliver vital life safety education to school-aged children and older adults.

The Town of Mendon received a $1,156.44 SAFE grant, and a $823.18 Senior SAFE grant. 

The grants represent two longstanding fire safety programs coordinated by the Massachusetts Department of Fire Services. The Student Awareness of Fire Education (SAFE) program sends firefighter-educators into schools to deliver clear, consistent lessons to young people, while the Senior SAFE program is geared toward older adults and delivered through senior centers, councils on aging, and home visits.

“No family should have to experience the tragedy of a preventable fire,” said Gov. Maura Healey. “That’s why we’re making sure kids, families, and older adults across Massachusetts have the knowledge and support they need to stay safe at home — working with the firefighters they know and trust. We’re proud to deliver this support to nearly 230 communities and help protect families across our state.”

“Older adults face the highest risk of fire-related injury or death in the home,” said Public Safety and Security Secretary Gina K. Kwon. “The Senior SAFE grants help firefighters reach residents with critical fire and fall prevention education, smoke and carbon monoxide alarm installations, and home safety assessments that save lives and help make communities safer across Massachusetts.”

“Any firefighter will tell you that we’d rather prevent a fire than fight one,” said State Fire Marshal Davine. “And we’d much rather fight a fire than respond after a tragedy. The SAFE and Senior SAFE grants are geared toward prevention but they also help kids and seniors recognize the steps to surviving a fire at home.”

The SAFE program was launched in the mid-1990s after child fire fatalities climbed into the dozens each year. Since then, Massachusetts has experienced some of the lowest numbers on record – including two straight years with none at all. In 2014, the Senior SAFE program was developed to reach older adults, who now account for about half of each year’s fire deaths in Massachusetts and across the nation.