Senior Citizen Public Safety Activities
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Fire Safety
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One concern for senior citizens is fire safety. Fire hazards are a big risk to senior citizens, many of whom smoke, and others who may not know the risks they're creating in their own home. Fire safety activities can teach senior citizens how to check their fire alarms, teach tips on wearing the proper clothing for cooking, and offer advice for how to stop space heaters from causing accidental fires. This could be taught through examples, lectures, and senior citizens could be asked to walk through a room to identify all the potential fire hazards after the education portion is over.
Winter Safety
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In places where winters have harsh temperatures and heavy snow, it's important that senior citizens be prepared with knowledge of how to get by in case of emergency. Seniors should be taught what sorts of equipment they should have on hand (snow blower or shovel), and just what they should stock up on. For instance, if seniors have an electric range and the power goes out they should have other food on hand that doesn't require electricity to cook. Having a land line telephone to call for help, or setting up a system in advance in case seniors need assistance from friends or family are also important topics that these activities could cover.
Storm Safety
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Hurricanes and tornadoes don't discriminate for senior citizens, so it's important that they learn how to keep safe in case of extreme weather. Storm drills, such as assuming proper position and being taught how to identify safe places in their houses. Lectures from fire department and public safety personnel could form the basis, and after that seniors could ask questions regarding their own homes and where a safe place could be found. A walkthrough of a house or retirement community could act to actually show seniors the sorts of hazards they should watch for in the case of extreme weather.
Fall Prevention
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Falls are dangerous to everyone, but for senior citizens falls are an even bigger danger. Many hospitals and public health departments have programs to raise awareness about seniors falling, and about plans they can put in place to prevent falls or get help in the event of a fall. Always carrying a cell phone for instance, or setting a time every day that someone should come and look in on the senior to make sure everything's all right. Simple home improvements such as removing slippery rugs and clutter can also help prevent falls, which most often take place in the home.
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