Cayuga County health officials are ramping up efforts to improve home safety and public health through a state-funded initiative that offers free in-home safety checks and education to residents across several local municipalities.
Speaking on Inside Government with host Guy Cosentino, Cayuga County Health Department Deputy Director Deanna Ryan and Public Health Educator Meghan McCole detailed the goals and progress of the Healthy Neighborhoods Program, now in its fourth year of a five-year grant cycle funded by the New York State Department of Health.
The program targets homes in Auburn, Conquest, Mentz, Montezuma, Throop, and Port Byron, though residents countywide may be eligible based on certain criteria. Services are free and focus on identifying fire hazards, asthma triggers, fall risks, mold and mildew, lead concerns, and other home health issues.
“We’ve done about 300 homes this year and are hoping to reach 400 next year,” McCole said. “Every home receives a free cleaning supply bucket, and many also receive smoke alarms, carbon monoxide detectors, or childproofing supplies based on need.”
In partnership with the Auburn Fire Department, the program conducts home visits using off-duty firefighters, who help inspect gas appliances, test alarms, and assess other safety issues. This approach, officials say, lends credibility and improves community trust.
Ryan emphasized the program is not a repair service, but a preventive one. “We’re focused on education and identifying risks. If there’s a problem that needs fixing, we refer homeowners or tenants to outside resources,” she said.
The most common problems found are non-functional or missing smoke and CO detectors, along with electrical issues such as improper use of extension cords. Mold and mildew are also frequently reported, often linked to poor ventilation or basement moisture.
McCole added that roughly 60% of homes visited include at least one adult over age 60, reflecting the program’s growing reach among older residents.
The program has also distributed radon test kits and works in tandem with the county’s lead prevention program. Officials noted that while radon mitigation and lead removal are outside the grant’s scope, identifying risks early helps residents pursue solutions.
To qualify outside the target areas, residents must meet at least one condition: having a home built before 1980, a senior or minor living in the household, or receiving public assistance such as SNAP or TANF.
“We want this to be as accessible as possible,” Ryan said, noting the department’s ongoing outreach at public events, senior fairs, and through agency referrals. “We’re seeing more residents call in directly, and that’s encouraging.”
For more information or to request a home visit, residents can visit the Cayuga County Health Department website or call the office directly.
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