NEWS RELEASE
SAULT STE. MARIE FIRE SERVICES
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Are you a senior age 65+ and still living in your own home? If so, Sault Ste. Marie Fire Services has a new program that can help. Project ASAP, 'Assisting Seniors Awareness Program,' aims to help keep seniors educated and safe so they can stay in their own home longer. Fire safety for all citizens is the prominent focus for Sault Fire Services. The concern grows even greater with an aging population.
The risk of those injured or killed by fires compared to the population at large increases with age. Seniors, family members or agencies working with seniors who still live in their homes can sign up seniors for this free program. After the initial referral, the public education officer will set up a time and date to visit the seniors home. During this 1-hour visit, the education officer will:
- Check and test fire safety equipment, this may include: smoke alarms, carbon monoxide
- alarms, extinguishers, etc.
- Review potential fire hazards in the home
- Discuss and complete a home fire escape plan
- Provide the homeowner with a Project ASAP fire safety gift bag
This program can become an annual visit. Sault Fire Services will contact the resident each year to revisit the home. This is to ensure that everything is in proper working order as well as to assist the homeowner with fire safety if any changes in mobility, care, and/or health have occurred since the previous visit.
Join Sault Ste. Marie Fire Services, along with community partner WINMAR Property Restoration Specialist and various community agencies to make senior fire safety a priority in our community.
If you would like more information about the program, or to set up an appointment, please contact Public Education Officer Aaron Gravelle, (705) 949 – 3377 or by email a.gravelle@cityssm.on.ca
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