home safety

Fire safety, cooking, smoking, trips and falls are issues of concern for seniors. Here are some safety tips.

	•	Have a working smoke alarm, check it monthly, change the battery once a year.
	•	Have a working light outside your door.
	•	Have emergency information readily available.
	•	Clearly label all medicines. In case of fire, plan your escape!
	•	Know where the exits are.
	•	Practice getting out safely.
	•	Use furniture with safe sturdy legs and do no prop up with magazines or books.

Smoking

	•	Use a large non-tip ashtray; empty ashes often.
	•	Dampen ashes before emptying into a metal container.
	•	Do NOT smoke when using oxygen
	•	Do NOT smoke in bed.

IN THE BATHROOM

	•	Use non-slip rugs.
	•	Have grab bars, rubber mats and/or non-slip strips in your tub and shower.

Electrical

	•	It is best to NOT use extension cords.
	•	If unavoidable, extension cords should be used on a temporary basis and MUST be UL approved.
	•	Turn appliances and lights off when not in use.
	•	Unplug electrilcal equipment like heaters and fans when not in use.

in the kitchen

	•	Keep lids nearby when you cook.
	•	IIf your pan catches fire, carefully slide a lid on it and turn off the stove.
	•	Wear clothes with short or close fitting sleeves when cooking.
	•	If you leave the kitchen while cooking, turn off the stove.

IN THE Bedroom

	•	Keep floor uncluttered.
	•	Keep house keys, eye glasses, flashlight, phone next to your bed.
	•	Wear clothes with short or close fitting sleeves when cooking.
	•	If you leave the kitchen while cooking, Do NOT smoke in bed.

A word about fraud and identity theft

Older American citizens are most likely to have a "nest egg," own their home and/or have excellent credit all of which the con artist will try to tap into. The fraudster will focus his/her efforts on the segment of the population most likely to be in a financial position to buy something.

Individuals who grew up in the 1930s, 1940s, and 1950s were generally raised to be polite and trusting. Two very important and positive personality traits, except when it comes to dealing with a person set on ripping you off. The con-man will exploit these traits knowing that it is difficult or impossible for these individuals to say "no" or just hang up the phone.

For more information, please visit the FBI information page on Senior citizens and Fraud. This information may just save you and your loved one a lot of headaches.