Safety for Older Adults

Central Pierce Fire & Rescue is committed to helping older adults stay safe, independent, and confident in their homes and communities. We offer safety education presentations throughout our fire district for community groups, assisted living communities, and senior activity clubs.

Our one-hour presentation is led by trained public educators and covers practical, real-world safety topics, including:

Fall Prevention – Identifying common hazards and simple steps to reduce fall risk

Health & Home Safety – Everyday safety tips to support healthy aging

Files of Life – How to share critical medical information with first responders

Emergency & Escape Planning – Preparing for fires, medical emergencies, and disasters

Questions & Discussion – Time to address concerns specific to your group Presentations are tailored to the audience and encourage conversation, questions, and hands-on learning.

An older woman with gray hair stands by a window holding a cane and a smartphone, wearing glasses and a black cardigan. A bird painting hangs on the wall beside her—a scene reflecting the importance of fall prevention for older adults.

Schedule a Presentation

To request a safety presentation or learn more, please email us at [email protected].

A firefighter in uniform helps a woman unlock a front door inside a house during daylight, demonstrating CPFR safety for older adults and supporting fall prevention for older adults in the community.

Helpful Safety Resources

We also recommend these trusted resources for additional information and at-home learning:

Falls Prevention in Pierce County: Education, resources, housing assistance, senior centers and caregiver support
Stepping Ahead for a Falls Free Community: A printable guide with available home and safety resources, exercise programs, and checklists focused on reducing fall risk for older adults.
NFPA – Steps to Safety: A printable guide with simple, effective steps older adults can take to stay safe at home.

Slips, Trips, and Falls

One in three older adults will experience a fall, sending an average of 1 in 17 to the emergency department each year in the US. The good news is that slips, trips, and falls can be prevented. With proper education, behavior changes, and awareness, we can work together to improve the quality of life and keep older adults independent longer.

A woman sits on the edge of a bed, holding a cane beside a nightstand with a lamp, alarm clock, flashlight, and phone—emphasizing fall prevention for older adults and safe nighttime routines.

Two men sit at an outdoor table, smiling and talking over drinks and an ashtray. Green trees are visible in the background, highlighting a relaxed setting that underscores the importance of CPFR safety for older adults.

File of Life

During Emergencies, Every Second Counts. A completed File of Life gives first responders critical information when patients can’t. This document includes space for you to detail your latest medical information – including allergies, medications, contact persons, and more. Store it within the provided sleeve and place it on your refrigerator for easy access and viewing.