One
goal of the San Jose Fire Department's Office of Public Education
is to reduce deaths and injuries from fires, falls and burns among
high-risk populations. These groups include older adults who,
at age 65, are twice as likely to be killed or injured by fires
and falls, compared to the population at large. By age 75, the
risk increases to three times that of the general public - four
times at age 85.
Fires
and burns are not the only hazards that threaten our older citizens.
Statistics from the CDC show that falls are the leading cause
of death from unintentional injury in the home. Thirty percent
of people ages 65 and older are involved in falls each year -
some are fatal, while others permanently disable victims and may
cause loss of mobility or independence.
By
focusing attention on these two serious issues, we believe we
can make a measurable improvement in the health and well-being
of older adults - a rapidly growing segment of the population.
Our program is designed to prevent injuries among these older
adults and help them live safely at home for as long as possible.
The
approach and content of the program, centered around 16 key messages,
were developed by a technical advisory group comprising experts
and practitioners from national and local safety organizations
as well as through focus group testing.
We
look forward to presenting this information to your program attendees.
Please download, complete and fax or mail a Public
Education Request form (.pdf 620kb) to the Office of Public
Education.
Feel
free to contact our office with any questions or concerns.
Thank
you,
Office of Public Education
San Jose Fire Department
408-277-2878 phone
408-286-0295 fax
pubed@ci.sj.ca.us
