September 16, 2025

Fostering Awareness, Building Preparedness: Fire Safety at AHEPA Senior Living

The safety and well-being of residents is always our top priority at AHEPA Senior Living. This year across communities in Iowa, Texas and Florida, our communities partnered with local fire departments, police officers and sheriffs to deliver fire safety prevention classes and related training designed to empower older Americans with the knowledge and skills they need to protect themselves. These programs both highlight the essential role of community partnerships in safeguarding senior housing environments and strengthen emergency preparedness of our residents. In this blog, we’ll discuss some of what we’ve learned.

Fire Safety Starts with Education

One of the most important aspects of fire safety is ensuring that our residents know how to respond in the event of a fire. At Penelope 38 Apartments in Ankeny, Iowa, residents had the opportunity to practice with a community-wide fire drill. The Ankeny Fire Department led residents through the process of exiting quickly and safely while reminding them to keep their “File of Life” documents current. This tool (a card listing medical conditions, emergency contacts and medications) can be lifesaving in an emergency when every second counts.

The session underscored the value of a connection between residents and local first responders. In a touching moment, one resident presented the fire department with a framed Dalmatian puzzle on behalf of the community. The gesture reflected both gratitude and trust. Sometimes, safety education can feel overwhelming, but experiences like this show that when the lessons are grounded in kindness and respect, they resonate more deeply.

Similarly, staff at Penelope 54 Apartments in Houston, Texas, collaborated with the Houston Fire Department as they provided residents with fire safety training tailored to their needs. Sessions focused on prevention, safe evacuation and the importance of preparation. For older Americans, understanding how to react quickly in an emergency is essential, and the Houston Fire Department emphasized clear, actionable steps that could save lives.

Additionally, in Daytona Beach, Florida, residents of AHEPA 410 Apartments kicked off the new year with a comprehensive safety program that brought together law enforcement and fire officials. The Volusia County Sheriff spoke about scam awareness, the Daytona Beach Police offered tips on navigating the community safely and the Daytona Beach Fire Department capped off the day with a fire safety demonstration. Through combining resources from multiple agencies, the program gave residents a well-rounded understanding of how to protect themselves in daily life.

In North Miami, the Miami-Dade Fire Rescue team emphasized two critical safety measures for older Americans: staying alert during a fire and maintaining smoke detectors. Residents were given practical reminders about the importance of testing alarms regularly and replacing batteries, as well as the value of staying calm and attentive in emergency situations.

Although, in North Miami, the highlight of the day was almost certainly the hands-on fire truck tour, which allowed residents to connect with first responders in a memorable and interactive way. A follow-up training session on “Fire and Fall Safety for Older Adults” is already planned, ensuring that education is not a one-time event but an ongoing commitment. By bringing seniors face to face with the professionals who serve their community, these events help break down barriers and make safety education approachable and engaging.

AHEPA’s Commitment to Resident Safety

What unites these programs across different states and communities is AHEPA Senior Living’s steadfast commitment to safety as a foundation of our approach to senior housing. By partnering with local fire departments, police officers and sheriffs, we are working to ensure that residents receive the knowledge and support they need to thrive in a great community.

Fire prevention strategies such as maintaining smoke detectors, practicing evacuation drills and keeping emergency documents up to date may seem like small steps, but together they create a culture of preparedness that can save lives. For residents, these events are about building confidence, forging trust with local first responders and building into the community spirit. By providing the training in an engaging way with local first responders, these experiences leave lasting impressions that make safety lessons easier to remember and apply.

Moreover, our commitment to fire safety is also recognized by the public. We’re proud to share an article from iAdvance Senior Care on fire safety strategies following the Gabriel House tragedy, which highlights how senior living communities can better protect residents in emergencies. The piece features insights from our very own Ardra Reed, MPH, Quality Assurance Manager.

Ardra emphasized the heightened risks faced by senior communities, including mobility and cognitive challenges that can impede evacuation. She underscored the importance of:

• Conducting regular risk assessments

• Maintaining strict oversight of electrical equipment

• Ensuring robust staff training through scenario-based drills

• Partnering closely with local emergency responders

Her message is clear: this isn’t just about meeting codes—it’s about safeguarding lives. We thank iAdvance Senior Care for shining a light on this important conversation and for including AHEPA Senior Living in the national dialogue about fire safety in senior living communities.

Conclusion

Fire safety prevention classes at AHEPA Senior Living exemplify what can be achieved when communities and local first responders work hand in hand. Through fire drills, scam prevention workshops, hands-on demonstrations and follow-up training, our residents are gaining the tools they need to stay safe and independent. Just as importantly, these events highlight the power of partnership, reminding us that safety is not an individual responsibility but a shared commitment.

Find a community here, or for more information, contact us!