Haverhill, Methuen and North Andover fire departments recently learned of state allocations for life safety education to Massachusetts’ most vulnerable residents.
Grants represent two longstanding fire safety programs coordinated by the Massachusetts Department of Fire Services, known as SAFE for Student Awareness of Fire Education, and Senior SAFE. The student program sends specially trained firefighter-educators into schools to deliver clear, consistent lessons to young people, while Senior SAFE is geared toward older adults and delivered through senior centers, councils on aging and home visits.
Haverhill was awarded $7,384, SAFE, and $2,819, Senior SAFE; Methuen, $10,998, SAFE, and $4,200, Senior SAFE; and North Andover, $3,135, SAFE, and $1,468, Senior SAFE.
“Our firefighters do incredible work responding to emergencies, but some of their most important work happens before a fire ever starts,” said Gov. Maura Healey. “These grants will help local fire departments teach children and older adults how to prevent fires, respond to emergencies and stay safe at home.”
Public Safety and Security Secretary Gina K. Kwon added, , “As Massachusetts’ senior population continues to grow, we’re committed to supporting their safety, independence, and well-being. The Senior SAFE grants deliver that support where it’s needed most—with critical fire and fall prevention education, smoke and carbon monoxide alarm installations, and home safety assessments that save lives and make communities safer.”
The SAFE program was launched in the mid-1990s after child fire fatalities climbed into the dozens each year. Since then, officials note, Massachusetts has experienced some of the lowest numbers on record—including two and a half 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; they have contributed to a significant decline in the Commonwealth’s per-capita rate of senior fire fatalities.