Dartmouth Fire District No. 3 is getting a big boost in its fire prevention efforts, with nearly $5,000 in grant funding to continue two programs.

The Massachusetts Department of Fire Services recently awarded the fire district $3,219.00 for the Student Awareness of Fire Education or S.A.F.E. Program and $1,721.00 for the Senior SAFE Program.

The programs allow trained fire educators to work with two major age groups: Children and seniors. The educators deliver age-appropriate lessons on fire and life safety in school-based and community-based programs.

“Our S.A.F.E. educator and firefighters enjoy working closely with our school teachers to help youngsters learn what they can do to prevent fires, to survive those that do occur, and how to respond correctly to fires and other emergencies,” said District No. 3 Fire Chief Richard Arruda.

Arruda said the Senior SAFE program will help educate seniors — the most at risk age group of dying in a fire — on fire prevention, general home safety, and emergency preparedness.

Through a partnership with the Dartmouth Council on Aging, firefighters are also available to help install smoke alarms, illuminated house number signs, and conduct in-home fire safety checks.