The following was provided by the Lexington Fire Department.

The Fire Department, with support from the Lexington Lodge of Elks #2204, installed smoke alarms in several homes of seniors living in Lexington at no cost to them this past Saturday. 

“Funding for the program was received by a grant of the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks of the U.S., designed to have local Lodges impact the community they serve,” saidChristopher Cavanaugh, president of the Lexington Lodge.  

This pilot program supplied new battery-operated smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors to local seniors. Lt. Tremblay, the LFD's Fire Prevention Inspector, and Human Services Director Charlotte Rodgers coordinated the program, and each deemed it a success. 

“In almost all the homes visited this Saturday, smoke alarms were either missing batteries, or were the incorrect type or out-of-date or installed incorrectly,” said Tremblay. “Members of the fire department S.A.F.E fire safety educators team helped to install the detectors."

Having a properly operating and maintained smoke alarm in your home reduces the chancing of being injured or dying in a fire by nearly 90 percent - however nearly half the homes in the United States do not have smoke alarms or they are not properly maintained (missing or dead batteries for example).  National statistics have shown older adults have a much higher risk of being injured or dying in a fire. 

All residents are encouraged to look around your home and make sure you have smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors located on each level of your home. Press the test button either with your finger or the end of a mop handle to see if it sounds at least monthly. Change the batteries in the smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors annually. A good reminder is when we change our clocks in the spring or fall.

If you’re a resident over the age of 60 and would like to be part of this program, we encourage you to call Gwen Jefferson, at the Senior Center 781-861-0194 to sign up.