Safety Instructor Ed Lanz discusses safety and fire
prevention
with a group of seniors. Next to young
children, seniors are the next highest risk category in terms of fire deaths.
Again the issue is mobility and exiting. Ed Lanz, who is a senior himself
does a wonderful job of working with seniors on a one-on-one or group basis to
teach them what they can do to prevent fires. Careless smoking caused one
of every 4 senior fire deaths. Avoid smoking when drowsy. Attend to cooking. Use
oven mitts when cooking.
Falls can happen at any age, but falls resulting
in severe injury and death are greatest among seniors. Each year 7,000 seniors
die as a result of a fall. This can happen because of changes in muscle and bone
strength, hearing, and vision. Medications can also affect balance and coordination.
There are steps you can take to reduce the likelihood of falling. Remember,
most falls can be prevented. Exercise regularly to help maintain balance. Pick
up feet when walking. Eliminate rugs and clutter that may be tripping hazards.
Use handrails. For resources for seniors and more ideas on how to prevent
falls, including testing your fall IQ,
click here .
Attend the Senior Safety Fair Thursday April
10, 2008 8:30-2pm at the Blaine Fire Station 3 (11920 Ulysses St). Contact the Fire Department to register
at 763-767-4003. $10/person
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