Martin County Receives Remembering When Award

Every year the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) selects 40 community/teams to attend its Remembering When conference.  Each team consists of one fire department representative and one senior care agency.  This year Martin County Fire Rescue partnered with the Council on Aging, and is proud to announce that they have been selected for the Remembering When conference award!  On December 4-6, 2011 our team will be heading to Boston to be equipped with educational tools that will prevent falls and fires in older adults.

Remembering When presentation

View more presentations from National Fire Protection Association (NFPA)

Annually, Martin County Fire Rescue responds to more than 12,000 medical calls, 53% of these are to people over the age of 65.  We respond to more falls, than to any other type of medical emergency; nearly 2,500 fall responses per year.  These overwhelming statistics demanded a response.  That response has come in the form of the National Fire Protection Association’s , Remembering When: A Fall and Fire Prevention Program for Older Adults.  Partnering with the Council on Aging, and by way of group presentations and home visits,  implementation of this program will enhance the lives of older adults, promote independence, and prevent premature institutionalization.

Remembering When is centered around 16 key safety messages – eight fire preventionand eight fall prevention. 

1. If you smoke, smoke outside
2. Give space heaters space.
3. Be kitchen wise.
4. Stop, drop, and roll.
5. Smoke alarms save lives.
6. Plan and practice your escape from fire.
7. Know your local emergency number.
8. Plan your escape around your abilities.
9. Exercise regularly.
10. Take your time.
11. Clear the way.
12. Look out for yourself.
13. Wipe up spilled liquids immediately.
14. Be aware of uneven surfaces.
15. Tread carefully.
16. Put your best foot forward.