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 7, 2017                                                        OBFD file # 2017 - 05

For Immediate Release:

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 stair lift
• 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.