Oak Bay Fire Department
1703 Monterey Avenue, Oak Bay B.C. V8R 5V6 (250) 592-9121
Email:  obfire@oakbay.ca      Fax:  (250) 598-2749

News Release

Date: March 1, 2016                                                        OBFD file # 2016-07

For Immediate Release:
Weekly Media Release for the period of Monday, February 22, 2016 to Sunday, February 28, 2016.  Over the past week, Oak Bay Fire Department members responded to 24 calls for assistance.

These calls for assistance included: 

16 – Medical Aid
  5 – Residential / Commercial Alarm Bells
  3 – Public Assistance

Home Safety Tips for Seniors

Please use the following home safety tips to help your loved ones stay safe:

• Consider a medical alert or a buddy system
• Keep a fire extinguisher and smoke detector on every floor
• Never smoke when alone or in bed
• Always get up slowly after sitting or lying down. Take your time, and make sure you have your balance.
• Wear proper fitting shoes with low heels
• Use a correctly measured walking aid
• Remove or tack down all scatter rugs
• Remove electrical or telephone cords from traffic areas
• Avoid using slippery wax on floors
• Wipe up spills promptly
• Avoid standing on ladders or chairs
• Have sturdy rails for all stairs inside and outside the house, or, if necessary, purchase a stairlift
• Use only non-glare 100 watt or greater incandescent bulbs (or the fluorescent equivalents)
• Make sure that all stair cases have good lighting with switches at top and bottom
• Staircase steps should have a non-slip surface

Kitchen Safety

• Keep floors clean and uncluttered
• Illuminate work areas
• Mark "on" and "off" positions on appliances clearly and with bright colors
• Store sharp knives in a rack
• Use a kettle with an automatic shut off
• Store heavier objects at waist level
• Store hazardous items separate from food
• Avoid wearing long, loose clothing when cooking over the stove
• Make sure food is rotated regularly and check expiration dates

Drug Safety

• Review your medicines frequently with your doctor or pharmacist and when you take new medication
• Make sure medicines are clearly labeled
• Read medicine labels in good light to ensure you have the right medicine and always take the correct dose
• Dispose of any old or used medicines
• Never borrow prescription drugs from others
• Check with your doctor or pharmacist before you mix alcohol and your drugs
• Have medication dispensed in a bubble pack or convenient dispenser
• Check with your doctor or pharmacist before mixing non-prescription drugs and prescription drugs

For any additional information please contact the Oak Bay Fire Department’s Fire Prevention Division – 250-592-9121.