The Cathedral City Fire Department Friday hosted a fall-prevention workshop to begin its series of events aimed to promote community safety, education and engagement.
The hour-long workshop began at 1 p.m. Friday at the Cathedral City Senior Center, 37171 W. Buddy Rogers Ave., according to a statement from the fire department. It was conducted in partnership with the Desert Regional Medical Center.
“My number one job is to keep you out of the back of this ambulance,” Cathedral City Fire Chief Michael Contreras said. “The older you get, the tougher it is for you to stay upright, you have a greater chance of falling. So what I’m going to ask you is to help us help you.”
The workshop provided information and tips on how to prevent falls, especially among older adults, through home safety modifications, exercises to improve balance, and other preventative measures, fire officials said. A Spanish version of the event got underway at 2 p.m.
The next event in the series will be a smoke alarm installation campaign throughout the community on Jan. 20, 2024, according to fire officials. Firefighters and volunteers will install and test smoke alarms to ensure homes are equipped with the “lifesaving device.”
The campaign will aim to reduce the risk of fire-related injuries and to raise awareness about fire safety, fire officials said.
To close out the series, a free emergency preparedness community workshop will be at 11 a.m. Feb. 3, 2024, at Agua Caliente Elementary School, 30800 San Luis Rey Drive. Attendees will learn about preparing for major emergencies and an emergency preparedness kit will be distributed to the first 25 people who show up.
More information about the events can be found at cathedralcityfire.org.