In order to stay safe, senior citizens need to stay vigilant for certain types of situations year-round. There are some situations and scenarios that are more common in the springtime, however, that senior citizens should be especially careful to look out for in order to stay safe. By following some simple home and outdoor safety tips, the spring season can be enjoyed safely by seniors without the fear of accidents or mishaps.
Yard and Garden Safety
Working outdoors in the garden can be very relaxing and is a great way to get some good exercise. Care must be taken not to overdo things, though, and some basic safety rules should be observed. Especially before engaging in gardening activities that are physical in nature, it is a good idea to take a few minutes to do some simple stretching exercises. It is also a good idea to bend properly to avoid stress to the back and knees. Using a kneeling pad or a gardening bench is often a good choice. Care should be taken when lifting so as not to cause unnecessary strain. Frequent breaks should be taken in order to avoid becoming fatigued. Clothing should be appropriate for the weather, and sunscreen always should be used. Make sure instructions are followed on all equipment, fertilizers and lawn chemicals, and always take care to put supplies away safely after the job is done.
Check Smoke Detectors
When the time changes in the spring, it means it's also time to replace the batteries in the smoke detectors. Smoke detectors are a very important feature in every home, but they can be especially valuable for senior citizens. As part of the spring battery change, the smoke alarm also should be tested to make sure it works properly. It is also a good idea to vacuum the smoke alarm so that dust or cobwebs aren't an impediment to the proper functioning of the smoke alarm. Another good springtime safety tip is to check your fire extinguisher at the same time you change the smoke alarm batteries so that functional fire extinguishers are always present and easily located.
Remain Vigilant Against Fraud
Once the weather turns nice, senior citizens need to be especially careful to guard themselves against roving home repairmen. Although most home repairmen are reputable and reliable, there are unscrupulous traveling repairmen who travel from area to area and who tend to prey on senior citizens. These home repairmen often try to sell what they claim is emergency home repair work that must be performed and paid for immediately. These home repair jobs vary but often include roofing, paving and painting. Senior citizens should be careful to ask for company identification, be leery of repairmen who work out of unmarked vehicles, and never agree to have repairs made on the spot without checking first regarding the legitimacy of the repair person's business.
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