Acton fire department launches voluntary home safety surveys for seniors

Brian Smith, the SAFE coordinator with the Acton Fire Department, told attendees at a Java with John at the senior center that the department is offering a voluntary, non‑punitive home safety survey for seniors.

"It's a voluntary program, non‑punitive. It's for you guys. It's for your fire safety," Smith said, explaining firefighters will inspect homes for fire hazards, test smoke detectors, and change batteries or replace detectors on site when possible. He said surveyors will document hazards, make recommendations, and provide participants with a copy of the inspection and suggested fixes.

Smith said the Council on Aging (COA) will help residents sign up and that a request form will be available on the Acton Fire Department’s public‑education web page. "Within 10 days either myself or one of the other SAFE committee members will contact you," he said, describing the scheduling process.

The program will be supported by a recent donation from the Friends of the COA, Smith said, enabling the department to provide additional smoke detectors and batteries to residents in need.

Manerati and staff framed the program as part of broader senior services and public‑safety outreach at the event. The manager encouraged attendees to use the COA sign‑up or the online form, and Smith reiterated participants will receive written inspection findings and recommendations.

The town did not provide an estimated number of homes it expects to survey this year; residents seeking the service are asked to contact the Council on Aging or visit the fire department’s website to request a home safety survey.