Our Residents

Don’t walk away from a cooking stove.

Wear comfortable shoes.

Keep medical essentials at your bedside at night.

Never smoke in the house!

These messages are among many passed along recently at a fire safety training session at Springfield Housing Authority’s Jennie Lane Apartments.

Jennie Lane Apartments residents Cosimina Montefusco and Jessica Quinonez welcomed fire safety tips.

Led by Springfield Fire Department Educator Willie Spears with translation to Spanish by Springfield Department of Elder Affairs liaison Eliana Franklin, the session used humor and a friendly tone to underscore some very serious points.

“All of us need to be aware of the things in their homes that can hurt us, and of the steps we can take to be safe and secure,” said Spears. “It’s all about awareness, and prevention.”

The 90-minute session was brought to the residents of the development in the Liberty Heights neighborhood by the housing authority, one of many educational offerings aimed at safety, personal improvement and general life assistance.

The event drew in a packed audience of 30 elderly and disabled residents, who were quick to share their own experiences to help Spears illustrate his points.

One spoke of a friend who left her kitchen to watch television, only to find her dinner, cooking on the stove, had caught fire. Another recalled a cigarette that caused a blaze, and yet another, a friend who struggled to get out of her burning house.

While smoking is banned on all SHA properties, Spears still covered tips on smoking safety and precaution.

Springfield Fire Department Educator Willie Spears holds up a fancy red shoe to show residents what not to wear when escaping a fire.

Among his lessons and advice:

• Elderly people are far more likely to be killed      in fires than younger people – while elders account for just 13 percent of      the US population, they make up 30 percent of fire deaths.
• Cigars, cigarettes and other smoking items should      be doused with water before thrown away.
• Space heaters should be kept three feet away from      furniture, and should be turned off before going to bed.
• Keep covers to pots and pans close by while      cooking; use them to cover and smother any cooking food that catches fire.
• If you must walk away from cooking for any      reason, carry a wooden spoon to remind you that food is cooking on the      stove.
• Plan and practice your escape from a fire.
• Wear comfortable shoes that will aid you if      escape is needed.
• Keep all exits clear, use non-slip rugs and mats,      and watch out for bumpy sidewalks.
• Stay in shape for strength and balance.

Jennie Lane Apartments residents gather in their community room following the fire safety session.

Spears even brought props to the session, pulling out of his carpet bag things like a small rug, a wooden spoon, a frying pan, and a sparkly red shoe so alluring that several residents asked if they could have it.

Laughter ensued.

Residents said they appreciated the time that Spears and Franklin took to remind them that they will play an important part in their escape, if a fire ever does occur.

“I think it was very helpful,” said Jennie Lane resident Cosimina Montefusco. “I learned a lot. You can’t be too careful when it comes to fire safety.”

Jennie Lane Tenants’ Association President Jessica Quinonez said she was pleased that so many residents considered the session important enough to come out and listen to Spears.

“I think it made all of us think a lot about fire safety, and what we do in our homes that might help, or not,” said Quinonez, who is also a member of the SHA Board of Commissioners. She personally called residents to let them know of the event.

“We try to do things to help educate our residents. I’m very excited to see so many people here.”

Springfield Department of Elder Affairs liaison Eliana Franklin translates the fire safety session for Spanish speakers.