Police, firefighters join forces to keep seniors safe

Spaghetti lunches are just one way DuPage County fire and police departments are reaching seniors to make their lives safer.

With 12 percent of our population at age 65 and older, there is a need for more programs and services.

This is why several DuPage County fire departments are offering safety programs, including "Remembering When," a Fire and Fall Protection Program for Older Adults.

Initially developed by the National Fire Protection Association, there has been a big push throughout Illinois as the pilot state to offer the "Remembering When" program and similar programs, including the all important home inspection.

This state program has been in force for more than five years in Naperville, according to Soraya McLaughlin, Naperville Fire Department's community education specialist.

Senior Home Inspection Program, or SHIP as Naperville's program is called, also involves Naperville Police Department's Senior Services Coordinator Marita Manning.

"No single agency can be responsible for reaching every older adult," McLaughlin said.

In Carol Stream, the "Remembering When" program began in November 2006, though fire and safety inspections have been offered for many years through the fire and police departments.

The Carol Stream Fire Protection District has hosted spaghetti luncheons as a means to introduce this program to area senior groups.

During the luncheons, Greg Schwarze, fire department public education coordinator, presents fire and fall safety information.

April's luncheon also included a visit from police officer Rich Garza, who has now joined forces with the fire district to present information about scams directed at seniors and other personal safety issues.

"They (seniors) ask a lot of questions," Schwarze said. "It's great."

Schwarze is very pleased that Garza joined him for the last luncheon, especially because this was a good opportunity to introduce Carol Stream's SHIP program.

This new program will include inspections of home locking devices, door closures, smoke detectors, and electrical and fall hazards.

"This program will allow us to provide home safety inspections for our seniors and bring items to their attention that will make them safer at home," Garza said.

Schwarze added, "If we find that the smoke detectors are not working, we can make arrangements to have them replaced at no cost for seniors in our district."

Carol Stream residents should call (630) 668-4836 to schedule an appointment for this program, which began May 1.

Some fire departments have paired up with local police departments and other agencies in offering these programs.

In addition to home inspections and presenting information to groups and individuals, many of the agencies provide smoke detectors, carbon monoxide detectors, night lights and other items for a safer home at no cost.

"This (SHIP) program is intended to help the older adults live safely at home for as long as possible," Naperville's McLaughlin said.

Along with the free home inspection for both fire and crime prevention safety, Naperville also provides free flashlights and pot holders.

Lt. Jay Caron, Lisle/Woodridge Fire District's public education officer, also is pleased to offer the "Remembering When" program. With assistance from area police departments, he hopes to educate as many seniors as possible about home safety.

Caron is getting the word out through presentations to area senior groups with information on fire and other home safety issues, including an emphasis on the seriousness of falls.

"These injuries are more deadly for seniors," Caron said.

He encourages area seniors to call him at (630) 353-3059 for a free home inspection.

Caron said as many as 70 or 80 departments have joined, up from 14 departments last year.

"There has been tremendous growth," Caron said.

Even if your local fire department is not a member of "Remembering When" or SHIP, you are encouraged to contact them to learn more about available safety services and home inspections.