Saskatoon Fire Department recognizes November as Fall Prevention Month

One in three adults over the age of 65 will fall each year. By the time adults reach 85, the ratio becomes 1 in 2. In recognition of Fall Prevention Month, the Saskatoon Fire Department (SFD) will be focussing on its Remembering When program to raise awareness about fall prevention and fall related injuries in older adults.  

Remembering When is a National Fire Prevention Association (NFPA) designed program that uses nostalgia to promote eight fire safety and eight fall prevention messages. The goal of the program is to help older adults eliminate fire and fall hazards so they can stay in their homes as long as they would like. Through the program, older adults are also taught what to do in the event of a fire and how to get up off the floor if they have fallen and are not hurt. 

Last year, SFD responded to 1150 lift assist requests. 

“Falls can be caused by a variety of factors and can happen anytime,” says Dori Krahn, Community Relations Coordinator for SFD. “Falls are also preventable. The Remembering When program allows us to connect with older adults, help them identify risks in their home, and provide them with resources to improve their fall prevention efforts. The purpose of the program is to ensure the safety of our older population and help them live healthy, active and independent lives.” 

SFD, in partnership with the Saskatoon Council on Aging (SCOA), uses follow-up phone calls, group presentations and home visits through the Remembering When program. This level of personalized fire and fall prevention ensures that each individual is receiving information that is relevant to their specific living situation and lifestyle. To book a home visit, please call: 306-975-7715. 

For more information about the Remembering program and fall prevention tips, visit saskatoon.ca/rememberingwhen.