Home Safety for Older Adults

Older adults are at a higher risk than the general population of being killed or injured in a fire and one in three older adults will experience a fall. There are many programs and best practices that can help lower your risk.

Check your home for hazards

Complete the Steps to Safety Checklist(PDF, 265KB)  for recommendations on how to prevent falls and fires in your home.

If you need assistance implementing recommendations, there are many resources available through Johnson County Aging & Human Services. A summary of these resources can be found on the Johnson County Community Resources Card(PDF, 735KB).

The Steps to Safety program has a list of additional resources(PDF, 159KB) available.

Smoke and carbon monoxide alarms

Smoke and carbon monoxide alarms are critical for home safety. Have someone test your alarms once a month and replace any that are more than 10 years old.

If you are deaf or hard of hearing, the Office of the State Fire Marshal will provide a bed shaker and/or smoke alarm strobe for those who meet certain criteria through the Get Alarmed program. If approved, the bed shaker and/or smoke alarm strobe will be sent to the Lenexa Fire Department to install in your home.

Gather medical information

During a medical emergency first responders need to know your medical history and current medications.

The Vial of Life Project consolidates medical information in one location so emergency crews can easily find it.

Access to your home

Consider installing a secure key safe (Knox box) on the exterior of your home that only Lenexa firefighters can access if you are unable to get to the door during an emergency. A residential Knox box can save valuable time in an emergency.

Request a home safety assessment

If you are elderly or disabled and would like to request an in-person home safety assessment, complete the form below. If you have questions, please call 913.477.7990.

Click here to view form.