Falls Prevention Awareness Week is Sept. 21-25, 2026.

By Ronni Newton

The West Hartford Fire Department is promoting its existing efforts to improve the safety of residents during Falls Prevention Awareness Week, a campaign spearheaded by the National Council on Aging that this year runs from Sept. 21-25.

The goal of the campaign is to “show that falls are not a normal part of aging and are largely preventable,” town officials said in a news release, and the weeklong awareness effort is an ideal time to promote the “Free Home Safety Visit” program that the West Hartford Fire Department conducts all year long.

During a visit, “trained team members provide a friendly walk-through of your home, sharing simple fire safety tips and personalized fall-prevention ideas based on the National Fire Protection Association’s Steps to Safety model,” the department said. “All suggestions are optional and designed to help you feel safer and more confident at home. This free program is offered to residents whenever they need it.”

To schedule a home assessment, contact Deputy Fire Marshal Chris Wilcox at chris.wilcox@westhartfordct.gov or 860-561-8362.