What started as a routine home safety project turned into a potentially life-saving intervention, highlighting the critical importance of ElderHelp’s Home Safety and Maintenance program.
John and Chris, ElderHelp Home Safety & Maintenance volunteers, work to repair a fall hazard in an unrelated photo.
Last month, volunteers Chris R. and John S. (AKA “Chrohn”) completed several tasks at a client’s home, including repainting a gas heater cover, replacing a ceiling fan, and installing outdoor motion sensor lights. Among these projects, they also replaced the home’s smoke and carbon monoxide detectors.
That seemingly routine task proved critical just weeks later.
On a Saturday night in December, the newly installed carbon monoxide detector sounded an alarm. The homeowner made the right call: she left immediately and dialed 911.
The fire department arrived and confirmed dangerously high levels of carbon monoxide, though they couldn’t identify the source. SDG&E was called in and quickly determined the culprit: the wall heater in the living room. They shut off the gas supply to that heater and recommended immediate repair or replacement, which was scheduled.
The outcome could have been tragically different without a functioning CO detector. Carbon monoxide is invisible, odorless, and deadly. This incident demonstrates exactly why ElderHelp’s Home Safety and Maintenance program is so vital. By proactively addressing safety concerns and ensuring homes have working detectors, the program helps protect our community’s seniors from such preventable tragedies.
“Chrohn” are grateful this story has a happy ending, and they hope it encourages everyone to test their own detectors today. It could save your life or the life of someone you love.
To learn more about ElderHelp’s Home Safety and Maintenance program, call 619-284-9281.