A safety program for seniors
BY ALISON FREEHLING
NEWPORT NEWS -- The Newport News Fire Department has started a summer program that offers both home visits and safety equipment to older residents of the city - all for free.
The program, called Home Safe Home, Newport News, targets anyone age 65 and older. Along with children under 14, that age group is at highest risk for injuries in a fire or fall at home, fire officials say.
From now through Aug. 19, fire department educators will visit homes to share safety tips and, if needed, install equipment such as smoke detectors, carbon monoxide monitors, nonslip bathtub mats and nightlights. Educators also are available for presentations at community centers and assisted living facilities.
Funding for the program comes from a nearly $20,000 grant from the Virginia Department of Health. Summer is a good time to focus on older residents because educators aren't busy giving safety talks in local schools, said Dana Perry, public information officer for the fire department.
"We have an aging population that tends to be not as mobile and a little more frail," Perry said Wednesday.
"If there's a fire, they might have trouble getting out. If they fall down, that can open them up to many other illnesses, like pneumonia. We want to do everything we can to keep them safe."
About 10 percent of Newport News' population is in the eligible age group. The program aims to reach as many of them as possible under the funding limits. There are no income requirements for families to participate.
As part of "Home Safe Home," fire officials also offer these and other tips:
To prevent fires:
Wet cigarette butts and ashes before emptying ashtrays into a wastebasket. Never smoke while lying down, drowsy or in bed.
Keep space heaters at least three feet away from anything that can burn. Unplug them when you shut them off, leave the home or go to bed.
Wear tight-fitting or rolled-up sleeves when cooking.
Install smoke alarms on every floor of your home. Test the alarms once a month and plan escape routes.
Immerse any burns in cool water for 10 to 15 minutes. If you know or suspect the burns are severe, seek medical help right away.
To prevent falls, the nation's leading cause of death from unintentional injury in the home:
Exercise regularly to build strength and improve balance.
Get out of chairs slowly and sit for a moment before getting out of bed.
Clear stairs and walking areas of all clutter, including electrical cords, shoes, clothing, books, magazines and toys.
Always turn on a light before going up or down the stairs.
Put non-slip mats on bathtub and shower floors. Install grab bars on a wall next to the tub, shower and toilets.
Wipe up spills immediately.
"Lots of little precautions," Perry said, "can make a big difference."
Source: Newport News
Senior Citizen Aticles | Senior Safety
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