[INSERT DATE]

[INSERT CITY AND STATE]

[INSERT LOGO]

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Training on Home Assessment, Smoke Alarm Installation, and Education

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Session 1

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Introduction to the Fire Safe Seniors Program

Introductions

Please tell us: 

Your name

Your chapter/affiliate     or site

Your role in the fire safety program

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Training Objectives

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By the end of this training, participants will have:

Reviewed statistics about older adults and fires

Learned how to conduct home assessments and educate older adults

Learned how to install smoke alarms (if applicable)

Discussed next steps for implementing home assessments and education

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Remove the objective related to smoke alarm installation if your program will not be doing this.

Fire Safe Seniors Program Overview 

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        - Developed by the National Center for Injury Prevention and Control of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the U.S. Fire Administration (USFA)
        - Program Goal:

	“To reduce the injuries and loss of life and property due to fire and fire-related hazards”

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Fire Safe Seniors Components 

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Home assessments to determine the need for smoke alarms

Free smoke alarm installation for eligible residents

Education of older adults and/or their caretakers about fire prevention and response

Follow-up to assess program effectiveness

Program Eligibility 

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        - To be eligible for free smoke alarms, residents must:
        - Be 65 years of age and older
        - Live in a residential setting (house or apartment).
        - Those not eligible may still receive education about fire prevention and response.

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Program Implementation

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Step 1: You conduct home assessments, alarm installations and education

Step 2: You return shortly after installation to test alarms.

Step 3: You conduct follow-up visits approximately 6 months after installation

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Modify this slide if the fire department or other organization will be doing the alarm installation.

U.S. Fire Injury and Death 
        - Fires are a leading cause of unintentional injury deaths in the United States.
        - More than half of fire deaths occur in homes without working smoke alarms.
        - Many deaths occur in homes where smoke alarms are present but fail to operate due to missing, disconnected, or dead batteries. 
        - Most victims die from inhaling smoke or toxic gases, not from burns.
        - Home fire deaths are more likely to occur in winter months.

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Death Rates of Older Adults
        - Older adults are 3x more likely to die in fires than younger adults.
        - They are >2x more likely to die in fires than children ages 1 to 4 years. 
        - The death rate for older adults increases with age.
        - By age 85, older adults have death rates 4x the overall U.S. rate.

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Fire Injury and Death in Older Adults
        - Smoking is the leading cause of fire death among older adults. 
        - Cooking is the leading cause of fire injury among older adults. 

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Fire-Related Risk Factors for Older Adults

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May include:
        - Living alone 
        - Physical and mental disabilities 
        - Reduced sensory abilities
        - Alcohol use
        - Medication that makes them drowsy 
        - Substandard housing

Our Organization’s Unique Position to Help
        - Our staff and volunteers enter homes of seniors on a regular basis.
        - Our staff and volunteers have trusting relationships with seniors.
        - Seniors see us as a known and trusted source of information.

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[INSERT

YOUR LOGO]

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Tailor this slide to the characteristics of your organization.

Session 2

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Home Assessment

Session Objectives

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By the end of this session, participants will have:

Reviewed Fire Safe Seniors smoke alarm standards 

Reviewed home assessment tool 

Discussed steps for home assessment 

Completed home assessment exercise 

Purpose of Home Assessments
        - Determine if resident has appropriate # of smoke alarms with long-life lithium batteries 
        - Test existing lithium battery alarms
        - Assess escape barriers

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Fire Safe Seniors Smoke Alarm Standards

Smoke alarms will be installed....
        - On every level of the home, including the basement
        - Outside of every sleeping area

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Replacing Alarms

Existing alarms will be replaced if:
        - They have non-lithium batteries
        - Battery type cannot be determined
        - Not working
        - More than 10 years old

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The number of alarms

that each household can receive

is not limited.  

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Number of Alarms

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Modify this slide if your program has a limit.

Review of Assessment Tool
        - Top section
        - Alarm matrix
        - Escape barriers
        - Homeownership status
        - Number of people living in the home
        - Smoke alarm standards 
        - Actions needed
        - Tracking information 

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Home Assessment Steps 

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Step 1: Identify residents who are eligible for program.

Step 2: Make appointment at a time that is convenient for resident.

Step 3: Call ahead on day of visit.  Upon arrival, explain why you are there and fill out the top part of the assessment tool.  

Home Assessment Steps (cont’d) 

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Step 4: Look for alarms outside of sleeping areas first.  Then, assess other levels of the home.

Step 5: Note the status of alarms on the form.

Step 6: Test alarms with lithium batteries and note the results on the form.

Step 7: Make a note of any escape barriers.

Home Assessment Steps (cont’d) 

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Step 8: Install new alarms or explain when  installation will happen.  Have resident sign the consent and waiver form.

Step 9: Conduct education or explain who will come back to do it.

Step 10: Explain that someone may stop by for a follow-up visit in 6 months. Ask the resident if he or she has any questions, and thank resident for his or her time.

Safety Tips

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        - Always visit homes in pairs.
        - Bring a map or GPS if visiting an unfamiliar neighborhood and bring the program coordinator’s phone number.
        - Do not show up unannounced.
        - Conduct visits during daylight hours, if possible.
        - Mix genders within pairs, if possible.

Safety Tips (cont’d)

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        - Do not enter any homes that appear unsafe.
        - Leave immediately if you feel threatened for any reason.  Establish a code you can use with your partner to alert each other.
        - Do not look around inside homes.

Optional Materialsfor Staff and Volunteers
        - Testing reminder stickers
        - Fire department letter

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Home Assessment Exercise
        - Break into pairs.
        - Read your scenario and look at floor plan.
        - S = existing smoke alarm.
        - Indicate with X’s where alarms are needed.  Also, circle existing alarms to be replaced. 
        - Fill out the assessment tool for your scenario.

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Scenario #1: Miss Lewis

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Scenario #2: Mrs. Davis

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Scenario #3: Mr. Jackson

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Session 3

Smoke Alarm Installation

(Optional)

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Session Objectives

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By the end of this session, participants will have:

Examined smoke alarm testing, installation, and maintenance guidelines

Practiced installing an alarm

Smoke Alarm Installation

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        - Step 1: Determine location based on home assessment.
        - Do not place in or very near kitchens or bathrooms or close to wood-burning stoves, clothes dryers, or other appliances.
        - Place on ceiling 4 inches from nearest wall and 2 feet from nearest corner.
        - If ceiling not possible, install on wall 4 to 12 inches below ceiling and 2 feet from nearest corner.
        - Mounting with screws is preferable.  

Smoke Alarm Installation (cont’d)

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        - Step 2: Test alarm before installing.
        - Step 3: Measure distance between screw holes on alarm or on mounting bracket/ring.  Use pencil to mark distance on ceiling or wall. (Skip if using tape.)
        - Step 4: Drill holes at pencil marks. (Skip if using tape.)

Smoke Alarm Installation (cont’d)

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        - Step 5: Use screws or tape to attach alarm or mounting bracket/ring.
        - Step 6: Demonstrate how to test alarm and explain how to maintain it.

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Smoke Alarm Maintenance

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        - Use vacuum or feather duster to remove dirt, dust, and cobwebs.
        - Do not open alarm case to clean it.
        - Clean alarms at least once a month.
        - Change battery when you hear a chirping or high-pitched warning signal
        - Replace long-life lithium alarms after 10 years.

Installation Practice

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Measure distance between screw holes.

Make pencil marks on ceiling/wall/wood.

Drill holes in ceiling/wall/wood.

Screw alarm or mounting ring/bracket into ceiling/wall/wood.

Screw alarm into mounting ring/bracket (if applicable).

Test alarm.

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Modify this slide to indicate whether the practice alarms will be installed on the ceiling, wall, or piece of wood.  Also, modify the slide to indicate whether mounting rings/brackets are being used. 

Session 4

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Education about Fire Safety

Session Objectives

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By the end of this session, participants will have:

Learned how to use the fire safety education tool 

Reviewed the leave-behind materials for residents

Role-played an education session  

Education Overview

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        - All older adult residents should receive education.
        - May take place immediately after home assessment or at another time.
        - Education tool guides the discussion. 
        - Leave behind materials for residents to read later.
        - A caregiver should be present if resident has a mental impairment.

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Modify this slide if your program is only offering education to those residents receiving smoke alarms.

Education Tool Sections

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        - Top section:
        - Information about resident
        - Discussion:
        - Discussion opener
        - Questions and messages 
        - Discussion closer
        - Materials tracking  

Top Section

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        - Date
        - Resident’s name
        - Resident’s date of birth
        - Address
        - Phone number
        - Your name (educator)

Educational Message Topics

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Discuss with ALL residents:
        - Smoke alarms
        - Escape planning

Discuss depending on risk factors: 
        - Smoking  
        - Cooking
        - Alternative heating sources

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Messages for Discussion with ALL Residents 

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SMOKE ALARMS

For residents who already have alarms or will get them soon:
        - Main message: Test smoke alarms every month; you can ask someone to test them for you. 
        - Message #2: Never disable your smoke alarm.

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Messages for Discussion with ALL Residents (cont’d)

SMOKE ALARMS

For residents who do not have alarms (and are not eligible to receive them)
        - Main message: A smoke alarm warns you when it senses smoke in your home.  Put smoke alarms in your home and test them each month. 

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Messages for Discussionwith ALL Residents

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ESCAPE PLANNING 
        - Main message: Identify two ways out of every room.
        - Message #2: Plan your escape around your abilities. 
        - Message #3: Keep a phone and emergency numbers to call for help near your bed.
        - Message #4: If a fire starts, get out and stay out.
        - Message #5: If you cannot get out, get as low to the ground as you can.

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Messages for Discussion According to 

Risk Factors 

SMOKING 
        - Main message: Never smoke when you are lying down, drowsy, or in bed.
        - Message #2: Use large, deep, tip-resistant ashtrays, and place them on a flat surface.
        - Message #3: Wet cigarette butts and ashes before emptying them into the trash.
        - Message #4:  Smoke outside, if possible.
        - Message #5:  Do not smoke near oxygen tanks.

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Messages for Discussion According to Risk Factors

COOKING 
        - Main message: Keep an eye on what you fry. Most cooking fires start when someone is frying food.
        - Message #2: Wear short sleeves or roll sleeves up so they don’t catch on fire. 
        - Message #3: Move things that can burn away from the stove. 

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Messages for Discussion According to Risk Factors

SPACE HEATERS
        - Main message: Keep space heaters 3 feet from anything that can burn, including you.
        - Message #2: Unplug heaters when you shut them off, leave your home, or go to bed.
        - Message #3: Consider getting space heaters that automatically turn off if they tip over.

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Messages for Discussion According to Risk Factors

FIREPLACE, WOOD OR COAL STOVE
        - Main message: Have a professional clean and inspect your fireplace, wood stove, or coal stove once a year.
        - Message #2: Do not burn green wood, artificial logs, boxes, or trash.
        - Message #3: Use a metal mesh fireplace screen to keep sparks inside.  If your fireplace has glass doors, leave them open while burning a fire.

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Main vs. Secondary Messages
        - Main message – most important
        - Underlined in each topic
        - Say verbatim
        - Secondary messages
        - Discuss only if resident is alert and can absorb more information

Discussion Guidelines

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        - In most cases, discuss maximum of 3 topics:

		-Smoke alarms

		-Escape planning

		-One risk factor message (if applicable)
        - Check understanding after each topic.
        - Do not scold residents who are doing something that puts them at risk.

Education Steps 

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Step 1: Open the discussion.

“I would like to talk to you today about keeping safe from fires in your home.  Many older adults are injured or die each year because of home fires.  This may be because they have a harder time moving quickly or their hearing and eyesight may not be as sharp as they used to be.  If it’s okay with you, I’d like to spend a few minutes discussing how you can prevent fires and what you can do in case of a fire.  How does that sound?” 

Education Steps (cont’d)

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Step 2: Note information on top of form.

Step 3: Discuss smoke alarm messages and demonstrate how to test existing alarms.  Only discuss main message if resident has a limited attention span.

Education Steps (cont’d) 

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Step 4: Discuss escape planning messages.

Step 5: Ask risk factor questions in order they are presented.  Discuss only one risk factor topic with residents who have limited attention spans.

Step 6: Explain materials you are leaving behind.

Education Steps (cont’d) 

Step 7: Note quantities of materials left behind on second page of the tool.

Step 8: Ask if resident has any questions.

Step 9: Thank resident for his/her time and end visit.

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Leave-Behind Materials 
        - Flyers (for all residents) – small and large print
        - Smoke alarms and escape planning flyer 
        - Fire risk factor flyer
        - Other materials (optional)
        - Emergency number card
        - Phone sticker
        - Refrigerator magnet/card

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Delete any materials that your program will not be using.  

Materials for Staff and Volunteers
        - Clipboard sticker
        - Pocket reminder card

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Education Role Plays

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        - Divide into pairs/trios and read assigned scenario.
        - One person plays the resident, and the other plays the educator (in trios, the third person plays the family member).
        - Each group has 15 min. to practice role plays.  
        - The educator should use the education tool and other materials.
        - Remember to say all messages verbatim! 

Role Play #1

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	Mr. Roberts is 70 years of age and uses hearing aids.  He will be getting three free smoke alarms from your program.  He lives by himself in a small house, and his son comes to check on him once a day.  He uses the stove to heat up soup and make oatmeal on the weekends.  He also uses a wood stove to stay warm in the winter.  He does not smoke, and he can get around the house by using a cane.  He has a limited attention span. 

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Role Play #2

Mrs. Paulson is 80 years old.  She has a mild case of dementia and lives with her daughter, Nelly, in a two-bedroom apartment on the second floor.  They will not be getting any free smoke alarms because their apartment building will not allow outside agencies to install alarms.  They only have one smoke alarm in their living room, but it works.  Mrs. Paulson likes to smoke a few cigarettes every day.  Her apartment is well heated, so she does not use a space heater.  She does not use the stove, but her daughter uses it.  Mrs. Paulson has trouble walking on her own, and she spends most of the day on the couch watching television.  Nelly is present during the education session.  Nelly is very alert and is willing to discuss a lot of information.

Session 5

Next Steps, Training Closure, and Evaluation

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Session Objectives

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By the end of this session, participants will have:

Discussed next steps for conducting home assessments, education sessions, and follow-up visits

Filled out posttest form 

Filled out evaluation form 

Next Steps
        - When assessments and education will start
        - How you will receive names of older adults
        - What to do with completed forms
        - How referrals will be made to fire department (if applicable)
        - Where to get copies of tools and materials
        - Assistance that staff will be providing 
        - Staff contact information

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6-Month Follow-up Visit
        - Will be conducted in a sample of homes.  Objectives are to:
        - Verify that smoke alarms are still working
        - See if resident has had alarms tested since installation
        - See if alarms have alerted resident to any fires
        - Determine if resident has experienced any changes in knowledge or behavior

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Questions or Comments?

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Trainers’ Contact Information

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First Trainer’s Name

E-mail

Phone Number

Second Trainer’s Name

E-mail

Phone Number

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Insert the trainers’ contact information.