WESTFORD — The Health Department and public safety officials will soon distribute winter safety kits to eligible residents.
The program is part of a collaborative effort between the department, Upper Merrimack Valley Medical Reserve Corps, public safety and several local businesses.
Officials say these kits are aimed at preventing falls among seniors during the winter months. According to Centers for Disease Control and Prevention data, approximately 1 million adults over 65 years old are hospitalized due to falls, with over 36,000 deaths reported in 2020.
Kits include ice melt, a snow brush and an ornament.
The National Council on Aging recommends that individuals enhance lighting near their front doors, use rubber-backed rugs, use non-slip mats in showers and ensure that their front steps are in good repair.
100 kits are available. Kits will be delivered to seniors and residents listed on the town’s functional needs registry, which includes residents with disabilities, chronic conditions and special health care needs. Residents can be included in the registry by submitting an application to the Health Department.
