23 February, 2024
Chief Gary Daugherty wishes to remind residents of two winter community risk reduction programs aimed at assisting seniors.
The Hopkinton Fire Department, in collaboration with the Hopkinton Senior Center and Department of Public Works, is continuing the Sand & Socks for Seniors program with the goal of reducing falls.
Sand & Socks for Seniors, led by the department’s community risk reduction team, provides seniors with non-skid socks to prevent slips and falls inside the house, as well as buckets of sand to prevent slips and falls on sidewalks and driveways. Falls are the leading cause of injury among those age 65 and older in the United States, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
The Sand & Socks program began in late November. The socks were grant-funded, Lowe's donated the sand buckets, and the sand is provided by the Department of Public Works.
When firefighters deliver the socks and/or sand, they will also offer a home safety inspection. Home safety inspections include the checking of smoke alarms to make sure they are in good working order and properly placed throughout the home. Non-compliant alarms will be replaced by Hopkinton firefighters and the new equipment is provided at no cost to residents. The Smoke Alarm Installation Program is offered year-round and grant funding has allowed it to continue into 2024.
“I would like to thank the members of the community risk reduction team and our community partners who have worked hard to coordinate and administer these programs to help residents stay safe this winter,” said Chief Daugherty. “We encourage anyone who would benefit from the Sand & Socks for Seniors or Smoke Alarm Installation programs to contact our department."
Though both programs primarily aim to assist seniors, anyone who may benefit from either program is encouraged to reach out to the department's Fire Prevention Office at 508-497-2323, ext. 4.
