Orlando, FL — The Orlando Fire Department (OFD) marked the launch of its Community Care Alarm Program today with the first official door alarm installations at a Lake Nona residence. The initiative, aimed at enhancing household safety for vulnerable individuals—particularly children and those with autism—offers free door alarms to city residents upon request.
As part of the program, OFD firefighters will install two door alarms per household to serve as an added protective measure. The Lake Nona homeowner who received the first set of alarms shared that the devices would help ensure her young children cannot unknowingly access the backyard pool or nearby lake—two potential hazards for families with small children.
Door alarms are a crucial part of the “ABCs of Water Safety,” a public health framework that promotes Attentive Adult Supervision, Barriers, and Classes such as CPR and swimming lessons. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), from 2019 to 2021, Florida ranked highest in the nation for unintentional drowning deaths among children ages one to four.
The danger is especially dire for children on the autism spectrum. The Autism Society of Florida reports that drowning is the leading cause of death for children with autism, many of whom are naturally drawn to water and more prone to wandering away from caregivers.
“These door alarms can be life-saving tools,” said an OFD representative. “They act as an immediate alert system when someone opens a door leading outside, potentially heading toward a body of water.”
The alarms are designed to notify caregivers with an adjustable sound—ranging from a chime to a loud blare—when an exterior door is opened. The alarms can help prevent tragedies by giving caregivers precious seconds to respond when a child or vulnerable adult wanders.
The Community Care Alarm Program is open to all residents of the City of Orlando who live in a house or townhome. With drowning prevention as its core mission, the program represents a proactive step in safeguarding families across Orlando.
Residents interested in receiving door alarms can contact the Orlando Fire Department for more information and to request installation.
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