"Prevention is the Goal":
Inside Saco's Safety Bootcamp
Melinda Remington

This fall, the Saco Fire Department hosted their first-ever Safety Bootcamp for Older Adults, a free workshop series designed specifically for residents aged 65 and older. Members of Age-Friendly Saco helped to inspire the three-part program and also took part. 

Held once a month in September, October and November at the Central Fire Station and intended for a group who would commit to attending all three sessions, the bootcamp covered important information to help people stay safe at home and out in the community.  

David Steed, a member of Age-Friendly Saco who took part in the training, described the program as important and useful education for everyone.  Attendees learned how to recognize common slip, trip and fall hazards in order to minimize the risk of an accident. They learned what to do in case of a housefire, including the need to plan ahead for escape routes and a meeting place. They also learned when and when not to call 911 and how to safely dispose of medications and sharps. 

Guided by an ethic of inclusion, participants dicussed practical questions: How can we help our neighbors? What accommodations do wheelchair users need? How do we alert people who can't hear fire alarms? Mr. Steed summed up the three-part program's mission: “Prevention is the goal!”

Age-Friendly Saco’s involvement in safety education continues from a collaboration with First Responders and the Fire Department in a voluntary Knox Box installation project. A “Knox Box” is a small metal box secured near the front door of a house that contains a house key. First Responders are the only ones with the authority and a master key to open the box and then enter the home in case of an emergency in which the occupant is unable to open the door. Mr. Steed said the Knox Box installation project is on-going.

The success of Saco's Safety Bootcamp demonstrates that when fire departments and age-friendly community initiatives work together, older people gain practical knowledge that can save lives. Communities interested in launching similar programs are encouraged to contact Age-Friendly Saco to explore how this model can work in their area.