Here are recent Fire Chief's columns from
The Arizona
Republic
City of Phoenix
Public Information Office - News Clippings - azcentral.com - January 7, 2012.
January Safety Messages
Every January we try to come up with a new safety message for the year. We have done water safety multiple times, hiking safety, fire safety, and it struck me that we have not done any messaging regarding our older adults for some time.
I will personalize this somewhat because my dad, Bob Sr., is homebound yet has a three-wheel adult bike that he logs three to five miles a day on. He’s an impressive character. He was raised as a cotton farmer, served in the U.S. Army, was a star athlete and really was one of my role models. So, when he refuses to wear a helmet, I find myself at a disadvantage. I think I’m probably not the only adult who struggles with telling their patriarch how to be safe.
He is very kind when he looks at me and says “Yes, that would be a great idea.”
However, as I was chasing him down through the park one day he did not have his helmet on. I asked why and he told me a story and I think it was a whopper. He said “I forgot it.” He was starting to sound like a rebellious teenager.
We at the Phoenix Fire Department will lay out a few suggestions as far as safety for older adults. There will be smoke alarms, there will be the use of helmets, pedestrian safety – all the things that apply to our younger kids could apply to our parents or grandparents. Let’s make sure they have a fantastic 2012. They are a treasure to all of us. I see it sometimes in our retired firefighters that we get to see at different events. I wonder if their kids have the same challenge.
My sister, who does the lion’s share of taking care of our dad, works on keeping his vitamins and medications straight and does a stellar job! I am blessed to have a sister who is so caring for Dad. I can only hope that folks out there have someone who keeps an eye on them.
It’s not an easy task, but if you have an elderly neighbor or a parent or grandparent, you might want to think about some of this information that we have listed for you and also this web site.
It’s never easy telling those ranking members of the community what to do, but please give it your best shot. And may we all be safe in 2012.
Safety Tips for Older Adults
Create an envelope that contains your important medical information and emergency contact phone numbers. Store the envelope in a place that’s easy to see and easy for firefighters and police officers to find.
Install dual sensing smoke alarms outside sleeping areas and common living spaces. Most houses can use two or more smoke alarms.
Special alarms for the deaf and hard of hearing are available through on-line specialty sites.
Make sure you know how to exit your house in case of a fire. Keep a phone near by to call 9-1-1 and other emergency phone numbers.
With your doctor’s approval, find an exercise that you enjoy. Regular moderate exercise can help with balance and decreases your chances of falling.
Falls are among the major causes of death among older adults. Avoid slippery throw rugs that can cause you to trip. Design your living space to be convenient yet safe.
Make sure to follow the doctor’s orders in taking your prescribed and over-the-counter medications.
Know how to call 9-1-1. Call 9-1-1 immediately if you are having a fire, medical emergency or get injured.
_______________________________________________________________________
Send comments to
Bob Khan at firechief.pfd@phoenix.gov
or
call (602) 26-CHIEF.