Safety for Seniors

General

• Consider a medical alert or buddy system.
• Keep a fire extinguisher and smoke detector on every floor.
• Use extreme caution when smoking.  Avoid smoking when alone or in bed.
• Use a correctly measured walking aid.
• Remove scatter rugs.  Tack down all others.
• Remove electrical or telephone cords from traffic areas.
• Avoid using slippery wax on floors. 
• Wipe up spills promptly.
• Avoid standing on ladders or chairs.

Bathroom

• Leave a light on in your bathroom at night.
• Use recommended bath aids, securely installed on the walls of the bath/shower stall and on the sides of the toilet.
• Skid-proof the tub and make sure the bath may has a non-slip bottom.
• Clearly mark cold and hot faucets.
• Use door locks the can be opened from both sides.
• If possible, bathe when help is available.

Kitchen

• Keep floors clean and uncluttered.
• Illuminate work areas.
• Mark "on" and "off" positions on appliances clearly and with bright color.
• Store sharp knives in a rack.
• Use a kettle with an automatic shut off.
• Store heavier objects at waist level.
• Store hazardous items separate from food.
• Avoid wearing long, loose clothing when cooking over the stove.

Drug Safety

• Review your medicines frequently with your doctor or pharmacist and when you take new medication.
• Make sure your medicines are clearly labeled.
• Read medicine labels in good light to ensure you have the right medicine and always take the correct dose.
• dispose of any old or used medicines.
• Never borrow prescription drugs from others.
• Check with your doctor or pharmacist before you mix alcohol and your drugs.
• Check with your doctor or pharmacist before mixing no-prescription drugs and prescription drugs.

Strangers at the Door

• Keep doors and windows locked at all times.
• Do not hide keys outside of your residence.  Keep spare keys with neighbors that you trust or others that you trust.
• Install a peephole so that you can see who is outside without having to open the door.
• Never open the door to a stranger.  Verify identification first.
• If a stranger asks to use your phone, offer instead to make the call.  Do not let them into your home.
• Do not advertise the fact that you live alone.
• Never give the impression you are at home alone if strangers telephone or come to the door.
• Don't reveal personal information to anyone on the phone or at the door.  You are not required to participate in any surveys.
• If a stranger comes to your door and refuses to leave, advise them that you will call the police.  Do not panic or argue, but be firm and state your intent confidently.

Service and Delivery People

• If possible, have all service and delivery people attend your residence by appointment or prior arrangement.
• Do not hide keys around the outside of your residence for the delivery person to use while you are not home.  This invites trouble.
• Do not leave valuables open to view or to a delivery person who is unattended while in your residence.
• If you do not like who you see when the delivery or service person attends, you can send them away.
• Ask for identification from any delivery or service personnel who attend your residence.  Be sure to utilize reputable ad reliable businesses for service calls.  Take the time to check on references regarding ANY company that you plan to have work or perform service for you.

Other Things to be Considered

• Take all precautions when storing firearms, toxins, medicines or flammable materials.
• Install fire, smoke and carbon monoxide detectors.
• If you return home and find that it has been broken into and you suspect someone may still be inside, go to a place of safety and call 911.
• Consider a SAFE ROOM in your house.  If you are at home when a break-in occurs, make all attempts to get out of the home and go to a place of safety where you can immediately call 911.  However, if you can not get out of the home - have a designated safe room inside your residence.  A safe room should have a strong door, a good lock and a telephone from which you can immediately call 911 for emergency police response.

Fire Safety Tips

• Never leave cooking unattended.  Wear clothing with tight fitting sleeves when you cook.  Always set a kitchen timer to remind you to turn off the burners and oven.  Keep stove surfaces free of clutter and built up grease.
• Smokers should use large, deep, non tip ashtrays.  Empty ashtrays often, wetting the contents before dumping into the trash.  Never smoke in bed or while consuming alcohol or taking medication that could make you drowsy or disoriented.
• Give space heaters space.  Keep electric portable space heaters at least 3 feet from everything, including you.  Just brushing against one could set your clothing on fire.
• Install smoke detectors.  Be sure to have smoke detectors outside all sleeping areas.  Test your detectors monthly and change your batteries once a year.  If you sleep in a room with the doors closed, install a smoke detector inside the room as well.  If you are hearing impaired, use a tested and approved smoke detector that triggers a strobe light.

Beware of Frauds and Cons

• Beware of "something for nothing," "you have won a contest," "cash only opportunities," "home improvement offers," "get rich quick schemes," and "service calls you didn't request."
• Don't fall for anything that sounds to good to be true such as free vacations, sweepstakes prizes, cures for cancer and arthritis, or a low risk, high yield investment scheme.
• NEVER give your credit card, phone card, social security, or bank account number to anyone over the phone.  It's illegal for telemarketers to ask for these numbers to verify a prize or gift.
• Don't let anyone rush you into signing anything such as insurance policies, sales agreements, or contracts.  Read everything carefully and have someone you trust check it over.
• Watch out for utility imposters.  People that come to your home saying they are there to fix electrical appliances or plumbing.  Check identification and check with your building managers to ensure utility workers should be there.  REMEMBER; don't let strangers in your house without verifying who they are and what they should be doing.