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HomeMy WebLinkAboutHuron Expositor, 2004-10-06, Page 7THE HURON EXPOSITOR, Oct. 6, 20047 Seniors need to protect their homes With most fire deaths occurring at home, adults over 65 are at greater risk when dealing with fire Jason Middleton photo Marilyn Hodgert checks for scorch marks on a pot at Maplewood Manor Scorch marks could be a sign food is being left unattended in the kitchen. When it comes to fire. adults over age 65 are at greater risk than any other group. As most fire deaths occur in the home, it is important that older people know how to protect themselves. If you have a relative or friend in this vulnerable group, please take a few minute to complete this fire safety check of their home. It could be a lifesaver. Part A is the physical fire safety. check of the older adult's home. It should be conducted once each month by a relative or friend. Part B consists of 14 questions to ask the older adult. These questions should be asked once, with periodic reminders. What to do if you arc concerned: If possible, take measures to correct the situation. Advise the older person that he/she is at risk of fire and injury. Remember, it is extremely difficult to change established habits. If thc older person will not change the risky behavior — such as smoking in bed - appropriate safeguards must he put in place or alternative plans made. Contact your fire department or the Community Care Access Centre in your arca for advice or assistance. Part A Conduct the following fire safety checks: 1. Check that there are working smoke alarms on every level of the home and outside sleeping areas. 2. Make sure thc older person can hear the alarm when it activates. If they can't contact the local fire department for advice. 3. Check that the smoke alarms have been tested. If not, test the smoke alarm by pressing thc alarm test button, which is Is usually located in the centre of the alarm. If it difficult to reach, use a broom handle or ruler to test it. 4. Check that the batteries have been changed within the past year. Batteries should be replaced each year. 1t is a good idea to mark the date on the batteries so that anyone will know whcn it was Use the front burn replaced. A chirping sound indicates a low battery, but this sound can he difficult for an older person to hear or recognize. 5. Check for scorch marks on pots and pans. If you find scorch marks, discuss with the older person. He/she may he leaving cooking unattended. 6. Check that clothing, bedding, furniture and floors are free of cigarette burns. If you find cigarette burns,. discuss the situation with your older friend or relative. Part B Ask your older friend or relative the following questions: 1. Do you know how to leave quickly if there is a tire? Check that the older person knows two ways out in case the main route is blocked by smoke or flames. Check that all doors and windows in the escape route can be easily opened. 2. Do you have a neighbour who can help in an emergency? Can your friend or relative walk to a neighbours house to call the fire department? In apartments, is there a neighbour who can help -`when the alarm sounds? 3. Is there a phone near the bed in case you need help'? Make sure thc emergency number is posted on the phone. 4. What would you do if thc room filled with smoke? Demonstrate how to crawl low under smoke to safety. 5. (For apartment dwellers) Do you know the sound of the fire alarm and what to do when the alarm sounds? Find out the correct procedures from building management. 6. Do you ever leave cooking unattended? Tell the 'older person to turn off the stove before leaving thc kitchen, use a timer, or take an item such as a potholder with them as a reminder. 7. Do you know what to do if a pot on the stove catches fire? Keep a proper fitting lid nearby and slide it over the burning pot. 8. Are there combustibles, such as tea towels or curtains near the stove? Keep anything that can easily catch fire away from the stove. 9. Do you wear tight -fitting or rolled up sleeves when you use the stove? Dangling sleeves can easily brush against a hot burner and catch fire. 10. Are you careful not to reach over hot burners? Use the burners as Fall activities in 'full swing' , Activities at Maplewood Manor in Seaforth are in full swing as we enter another season with a great group of volunteers. Residents welcomed two new ministers, Rev. Gould and Rev. Huberts to Maplewood for weekly church services along with Father Lance and Pastor Hildebrand. Virginia E1g and Ruth Rapson from Bethel Bible Church led in a hymn sing. Joyce Lammerant and Marian Cook also visited for an afternoon hymn sing. Margaret Whitmore was a welcomed guest who came to trim and polish nails and provide special hand care, a treatment everyone enjoys. Maplewood Manor Weekly visits with "Buffy" and her owner, George Jamieson, are a highlight to our dog lovers' at Maplewood. Betty Harris and Barbara Scott have hands busy during craft classes in preparation for our Christmas Bazaar to be held Saturday, Nov. 27. Our crokinole pals, Peggy and Charlie Perkins, Beth Pryce, Velma Preszcator, Delphine Dolmage, June Martene and Helen MacKenzie have returned to have some challenging games with residents. Friday afternoon bingo with Betty Hulley is always a hit with our folks. There was a lively afternoon of music with Jim and Elaine Scott who came to play the good old tunes on the banjo and piano. What a duo. Maplewood was pleased to host an Alzheimer Coffee Break to raise funds for the Alzheimer Society. Residents and guests enjoyed visiting over coffee and scones. Everyone's voices were in tune for a morning of singing with Art and Eleanor Horst who did a great job playing for the sing along. Rill Gibson also visited for an afternoon of piano music. much as possible. 11. Do you keep portable heaters at least 1 meter (3 feet) from any combustible materials, such as drapes, clothing or furniture? Remind your friend or relative that portable heaters should never be used to dry clothing, tea towels, gloves, etc. 1 2 . Do you consider yourself to be a careful smoker? Smokers should use large, deep ashtrays and never smoke when drowsy or in bed. 13. Where do you empty your ashtrays? Ashtrays should he emptied into the toilet or a non-combustible can. 14. Are you careful when you drink and smoke? Drinking alcohol while smoking is a deadly combination and accounts for many fire deaths. 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