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Our mission is to provide awareness to improve the quality of life for seniors by creating a safer knowledge and to insure that seniors are able to feel safe in their homes as well as the community. We hope you enjoy browsing and find information useful and informative.
SAFETY AT HOME
Public Transport
Where possible, travel with friends.
Check timetables, so you are not waiting long times at stops or stations.
Sit near front, particularly if you need assistance to get off.
Buy ticket at newsagent or other outlet, so you do not need to do it whilst vehicle is moving.
Safe Banking
Use Automatic Teller Machines (ATM) in well lit areas or use the opportunity at Supermarket checkout.
Find a way to remember your Personal Identification Number (PIN). Do not have it written near your card.
Take note of people nearby.
If you feel you are being watched, walk away and do not use ATM.
Stand close to the machine when using to conceal your PIN number.
Put your money away before leaving the ATM.
Shopping
Carry a handbag under your arm or close to your body.
Do not leave your bag in shopping trolley when looking for items.
It is advisable not to resist if someone tries to snatch your bag. Loss of money is better than physical injury.
Carry only the money that is needed.
Phone Calls
Do not give your name or address to any unknown caller.
Do not give your name or address on your answering machine or any indication that you live alone or are not at home.
Never reveal to the caller that you are the only person in your home or indicate that you will be out at a certain time.
Do not give personal information over the phone even if the caller says they are from a genuine organisation. Take the caller name and number and call them back.
If you have a nuisance call, say nothing and hang up.
Have phone numbers at easy access for police, emergency services, doctors and family members.
Safety In The Street
If possible walk with another person.
If you walk alone, change your time or route.
Walk where lighting is clear.
Do not carry valuables or large amount of money.
Keep alert and aware. If you feel someone is following you, go to the nearest area where people are.
If a car stops to ask directions, do not have a long conversation.
If someone harasses you, try to get description of person or vehicle and report to police.
Use pedestrian crossing where possible.
Be aware of uneven surfaces, cracks and holes in pathways.
Travelling by Car
Lock your doors at all times.
If you feel someone is following you, stay calm drive to a safe place like police station or busy shopping centre rather than your home.
Park in well lit busy areas where possible.
Do not leave valuables in view or your keys in the ignition.
Keep your car well maintained mechanically to ensure reliability.
Keep regular updates on your driving ability and be prepared to listen to family members and medical opinion about continuing to drive.
SAFETY IN THE HOME
Most Australian citizens spend considerable time in their home, enjoying privacy and security. Your right to safety in your home is important to your health and well being.
Preventing Falls
Make sure lighting over stairs and hallways is clear.
Have a bed lamp or reliable torch close to your bedside.
Leave a light on when going out at night time.
Ask someone to assist in changing light globes.
Use rubber-back mats in wet areas.
Replace worn carpets and floor coverings.
Immediately wash areas where liquid has been spilt.
Wear shoes with non slip soles.
Store regularly used items at a level easy to reach.
Never stand on chairs or tables, use a reliable step ladder.
When getting out of bed, first sit up for a few minutes, then get up slowly.
Hip Safety Kit: Hip protector shields are available for people who may be prone to falling. For information call the Preventive Care Centre, Royal Adelaide Hospital, 08 8222 2748 Day therapy services are available for fall prevention programs which include assessment of the persons balance and the home environment. The contact is Commonwealth Respite and Carelink Centre, 1800 052 222(free call)
Smoke Alarms
It is compulsory for smoke alarms to be installed in homes.
Best installation of smoke alarms is on the ceiling between main living room and bedroom. It may need the necessity of more than one.
South Australian Metropolitan Fire Service (SAMFS) 08 8204 3611 can advise you on installing smoke alarms.
Burns and Scalds
Have a good light over the area you are cooking.
Check to ensure gas jets and hot plates are turned off after using.
Keep your saucepans in good order with safe handles and do not let handles hang over the edge of the cooker.
Do not cook when wearing clothes with loose sleeves.
Always turn cold water on first when using shower or bath.
Never use boiling water in hot water bottle and make sure stopper is secure.
For gas cookers flint lighters are safer than using matches.
Doors
Keep doors locked when you are inside your home.
If you have deadlocks, keep the keys in the locks on the inside when you are home in case you need to leave quickly.
Sliding glass doors can be secured by fitting a double-sided locking handle or a patio door bolt.
Do not hide spare keys in easily found places such as under mat, or under pot plant. Leave key with someone you can trust.
A sensor light that will activate at night when you approach your door for opening is helpful.
Always secure your home if you are out in the garden or visiting a neighbour even if for only a few minutes.
Visitors
A peephole in your door will let you identify the visitor before opening the door.
Never tell a stranger or unknown person that you will not be home or if you the only one home.
People who are from genuine companies carry identification cards. If you are still uncertain check by telephoning the company.
Other Safety Precautions
Use electric kettle with automatic cut-off or whistling kettle.
Never wash electric blankets and turn off the electric blanket when getting into bed.
Keep electric appliances in good order. Frayed cords should be replaced and power points should not be overloaded.
Do not run extension cords under carpets or rugs.
Avoid drinking hot liquids in bed.
Safely Storing and Food Handling
Older people and particularly those with underlying health conditions are more likely to fall ill and develop complications from diseases carried in food. Lessen the risk: avoid keeping food at room temperature this includes food which is thawing or cooling. Food kept refrigerated, and food which is steaming hot is least likely to be harmful. Clean kitchens, food preparation surfaces, dishcloths and hands are important in staying healthy.
Some foods are more likely to be risky than others, such as chicken, fish and other seafood, eggs, meat, pate, dairy foods (especially soft cheeses), cooked rice and pre-prepared salads. Be especially careful when storing and re-heating these. Make sure chicken and meat is cooked thoroughly. Avoid spreading bacteria normally found in these foods to other foods. Use different chopping boards, wipe down food preparation areas and avoid juice, such as that from thawing chicken, dripping on to other food. Remember that contaminated food may not look, feel or smell any different to food which is still OK. For food safety information see the nutritionists at a Community Health Centre nearest to you.