Representative David K. Muradian, Jr. (R-Grafton) is excited to announce that the Massachusetts Department of Fire Services has awarded grants to the Towns of Northbridge and Upton for the Student Awareness of Fire Education or, SAFE program.
There are two types of SAFE grants: the original SAFE program was established 21 years ago as a state initiative to provide resources to local fire departments to conduct fire and life safety education programs in grades K-12. Their mission is to enable students to recognize the dangers of fire, and more specifically, the fire hazards that tobacco products can pose. The Senior SAFE program was created by the Legislature in the FY’14 budget in order to help local fire departments to support fire and safety education for older adults, who are the most at risk of dying in fires in the Commonwealth.
Since the creation of the SAFE program, the average annual fire deaths for children have been reduced by 70%. The program provides training for children in schools teaching them how to create and practice home escape plans, stop, drop and roll, how to report fires and emergencies and helps reduce a child’s anxiety levels during stressful situations. The Department of Fire Safety hopes to have similar results with the Senior SAFE program by teaching them how to handle situations where oxygen is present and what to look for when one cannot hear a fire alarm.
“SAFE is a shining example of a successful and valuable program that the Commonwealth provides to its citizens,” stated Representative Muradian. “Teaching children, and now seniors, our most vulnerable populations, how to handle emergency situations with less anxiety will help keep all of our citizens safer.”
Under the FY’16 budget, the Town of Upton will receive $4,237 for the SAFE Program and $2,716 for the Senior SAFE Program. The Town of Northbridge Fire Department will receive $4,837 for the SAFE Program and $2,917 for the Senior SAFE Program.
Any constituent who wishes to speak to Representative Muradian or his staff please call (617) 722-2240 or e-mail at David.Muradian@MAHouse.gov. Constituents should also visitwww.davidmuradian.com for updates about the district and Rep. Muradian’s Office.
UPTON DAILY 