The NFPA Steps to Safety™ Prevent Fire and Falls at Home program is an innovative initiative designed to educate older adults about home fire and fall safety. It pairs fire and EMS professionals with community partners to deliver crucial safety information through group presentations, home visits, and creating a local resource network. Previously known as Remembering When™ A Fire and Fall Prevention Program for Older Adults, the newly updated Steps to Safety™ (STS) program includes a comprehensive online training curriculum for professionals and new digital and print resources to support learning and behavioral change among older adults.
Empowering Older Adults Through Education
The STS program builds on a foundation of fire and behavioral science. It uses sound educational principles to foster independence, collaboration, engagement, and empowerment among older adults. Consequently, this approach equips fire and EMS professionals, along with their health and social service partners, with the tools and framework they need to make a significant impact in their communities. Ultimately, the program aims to reduce injuries and fatalities from home fires and falls among older adults.
Key Statistics on Fire and Fall Risks for Older Adults
The statistics highlight the critical need for programs like Steps to Safety™.
- Increased Fire Risk: At age 65, older adults are twice as likely to be killed or injured by fires compared to the general population. This risk triples by age 75 and quadruples by age 85. Therefore, it is essential to educate this demographic about fire safety.
- Fall Incidence: One in three older adults experiences a fall each year, with one in 17 requiring emergency department visits annually in the U.S. Thus, fall prevention strategies are crucial.
- Rise in Lift Assists: From 2014 to 2017, invalid assists, also known as lift assists, increased by 35%. Currently, the fire service responds to more falls among older adults than actual fires (NFPA Applied Research). Hence, addressing these issues is vital.
Comprehensive Training and Resources
The updated STS program offers extensive online professional training to enhance the skills and knowledge of fire and EMS professionals. This curriculum includes new digital and print assets that support the effective delivery of safety information. Moreover, by promoting collaboration and leveraging local resources, the program fosters a supportive network that helps older adults live safely and independently.
Benefits of the STS Program
- Enhanced Safety Education: The program’s comprehensive training ensures that professionals are well-equipped to educate older adults on fire and fall prevention.
- Community Engagement: Through group presentations and home visits, the program actively engages older adults and their communities in safety practices.
- Empowerment and Independence: By providing older adults with the knowledge and tools to prevent fires and falls, the program promotes their independence and empowers them to take charge of their safety.
Conclusion: Taking Action for a Safer Community
The NFPA Steps to Safety™ program serves as a vital resource in the effort to protect older adults from home fires and falls. By understanding the heightened risks faced by this population and implementing effective educational strategies, we can significantly reduce these potentially life-threatening events.
At ABC Cleaning Inc., we support initiatives that enhance home safety. We encourage community members to take advantage of programs like STS and stay informed about the best practices for fire and fall prevention. Together, we can create safer homes and communities for everyone, especially our older adults.
ABC Cleaning, Inc. | Your Partner in Chimney Health
Serving Central Florida since 1992, ABC Cleaning, Inc. has been the acknowledged leader in air duct cleaning, chimney cleaning, and dryer vent cleaning. We offer professional chimney cleaning and inspection services. We are committed to educating the public about the dangers of chimney soot and promoting community safety. We’re NADCA certified and members of The Chimney Safety Institute of America (CSIA) and The National Chimney Sweep Guild (NCSG) . We consistently invest in and have the most modern equipment, and utilize the latest technology available with the best-trained service technicians in all of Orlando. If you need help deciding whether to replace or repair faulty ducts, please contact us at ABC. We provide quality HVAC service throughout Orlando and the surrounding communities.
