Free life saving program offered for seniors

SAN DIEGO – National safety statistics show that adults age 65 and older are two times more likely to die in a home fire than any other segment of the population, and for those over age 75 that risk nearly quadruples. Yet, thousands of seniors throughout San Diego and Imperial counties live in homes without a working smoke alarm. One way seniors can improve the chances of escaping a home fire is by making sure their home is equipped with a working smoke alarm.

The Burn Institute’s Senior Smoke Alarm Program provides seniors with a free smoke alarm and installation. Fire service personnel from various fire departments throughout the county and other volunteer groups assist the Burn Institute year-round in installing the smoke alarms.

“One way seniors can improve the chances of escaping a home fire is by making sure their home is equipped with a working smoke alarm, and to maintain those alarms by changing the batteries at least once a year,” said James Floros, Burn Institute executive director and chief executive officer.

The Burn Institute is a local nonprofit health agency dedicated to reducing the number of burn injuries and deaths in San Diego and Imperial counties through fire and burn prevention education, burn care research and treatment, and burn survivor support services.

To qualify for this lifesaving program, residents must be 55 years or older, own their own home, and not currently have a working smoke alarm. To sign up for this program, call the Burn Institute at (858) 541-2277. For more information, visit

http://www.burninstitute.org