As we age, our safety and security become increasingly important. At Plantation Oaks of Ormond Beach, we understand that feeling safe and secure is important to enjoying your retirement. Our community offers a variety of safety features, including gated access and modern video surveillance in the common areas. In this blog, we'll share tips on how to further enhance your home security and personal safety, so you can live with peace of mind.
Home Security Systems
Home security systems have come a long way thanks to advances in technology. Homeowners can choose from traditional burglar alarm systems, smart home technology, and personal emergency response systems all upgraded with modern conveniences. Benefits include mobile apps that allow you to monitor your home right from your phone wherever you are, HD video, and even the ability to speak to intruders through the systems. Many home systems also include emergency response based on the situation so you can rest easy in any situation.
Choosing the right system: Factors to consider when selecting a system are cost, features, and ease of use. Be mindful of physical limitations or disabilities and proximity to emergency services to help determine the level of protection you and your family will need. For seniors, a door camera system offers the advantage of being able to see and interact with visitors from the safety of the home. In instances where mobility is an issue, for example, this can also be a helpful tool in managing day-to-day activities. If installation might be an issue, many security companies offer installation services for added convenience. Other safety protection that alarm systems can provide sensors for fire, water, entry, motion, and even a glass break. These can be life-saving devices in situations where a senior might have difficulty addressing them promptly.
Types of Systems:
Traditional Alarm Systems: Typically include a control panel, sensors (motion, door, window), and a siren.
Benefits: Reliable, affordable, and widely available.
Smart Home Security Systems: Combine traditional alarm features with internet connectivity and smart home devices.
Benefits: Greater flexibility, convenience, and automation.
Wireless Security Systems:Use wireless technology to connect sensors and other components to the control panel.
Benefits: No need for extensive wiring, making them ideal for DIY installation.
Professional Monitoring Systems: Include a central monitoring station that receives alarm signals.
Benefits: Provides immediate response to potential threats.
DIY Security Systems: Often include a mix of wired and wireless components.
Benefits: Cost-effective and customizable.
Personal Safety Measures
Personal safety is paramount for seniors, encompassing a wide range of concerns beyond just home security. From preventing falls and fires to safeguarding against scams, older adults must take proactive steps to protect themselves. This section will delve into essential strategies to enhance your personal safety, ensuring you can enjoy your retirement years with peace of mind.
Preventing falls: According to the Center for Disease Control, more than one in four older adults (age 65+) fall each year and are the leading cause of injury-related death among older adults. To reduce the risk of falls, remove clutter from around the home, add lighting strategically to areas of the home where shadows and darkness can hide trip hazards, and use assistive devices when needed to move safely around the home.
Fire and Emergency safety: There are several ways to prevent and protect from fire. When it comes to prevention, remembering what to do and where to go is key to staying safe. Make sure windows are accessible in case of an emergency. Go in each room of your home and think about how you would escape in an emergency such as a fire? Install and regularly check smoke and carbon monoxide detectors. Invest in a fire extinguisher and store in a safe and easily accessible location. Depending on your age and health you might want to consider investing in a Life alert service for personal life safety support.
Protecting against scams and hacking: Seniors are often the target of various scams and hacking due to their vulnerability and trust. Common scams include: AI (Artificial Intelligence calls, emails, texts ), phishing scams (attempts to obtain personal information through emails or texts), telemarketing scams (fraudulent calls or messages), grandparent scams (claiming to be a grandchild in need of urgent financial assistance), and investment scams (promising high returns with little risk). It's essential for seniors to be aware of these scams and to avoid providing personal or financial information to unsolicited callers or emails.
To better protect yourself take these steps:
Close your browsers after each time you go online
Shut down your computer each day
Enable higher levels of security on your computer and mobile device settings
Enable 2-Step authenticity on all mobile apps, online accounts, and email accounts
Have a secret code word with close friends and family to use against AI fraud. If you are unsure a contact of any kind is questionable use a secret word or phrase to authenticate the person
Don't auto save passwords and use passwords that follow greater complexity (ex: if your password is password, grandpa1, etc, you should change it)
DON'T ANSWER CALLS YOU DO NOT KNOW. DON'T DO IT. STOP.
Upgrade to newer email providers and mobile devices if possible as these have better security and protections built into their systems than older provider services and devices.
Social connections and support: Maintain social connections and get support from family, friends, or community organizations in a time of need. Get to know your neighbors! It takes a village and when there is an emergency knowing who to turn to and where to go can be a lifesaver. If you don't have friends or family nearby, knowing where and what organizations offer during an emergency or unexpected life event can provide you with assistance where immediate support is not available.
Professional assistance: Depending on your circumstances you should consider hiring a caregiver or other support during a time of need.
Emergency Preparedness
Creating an emergency plan and emergency kit: If you live in Florida or are planning to live in Florida, it is important to have a disaster plan and have it in place well before a hurricane. Severe weather can happen at a moments notice knowing what to do, where to go, and how to prepare is critical to your survival. As a senior you have to be meticulous in your planning because you may need medication, devices that run on electricity and appointments to get to and a disaster can make situations turn deadly quickly.
Steps to include in your emergency plan:
Order extra medications when possible in case of an emergency. Depending on the severity of the storm, you may have to wait some time before getting medications.
Have an emergency contact and emergency services list in an easily accessible location.
If you have health conditions that could require held during an emergency, consider hiring a caregiver or other paid service to be available for assistance
Have a safe destination in place should you have to evacuate
If you have health conditions, contact the local medical services in advance to know what their emergency plan is should you need to seek medical attention
If you have to evacuate: turn off everything and unplug all electronics. Get everything off of the floor that is not furniture in case of flooding. Secure as many things as you can inside and outside of your home. Bring in everything from outside.
Fill up your gas tank before a hurricane and have a backup supply of gas as necessary for your circumstances. Pay attention to the news for shortages and where to get gas
Building an emergency kit:
Have waterproof containers for important documents and valuables. Make it easy to transport should you have to evacuate
Digital files of important documents, records, etc on USB drives and back-up your digital data to a cloud if you can. Remember if there is a hurricane, internet maybe down, something might happen to the paper and having quick access to important documents during this time will save you in time of need.
Have a supply of bottled water, gas, batteries, non-perishable food (don't stock up on perishables during a hurricane in case you lose power) ice, coolers, and portable chargers
Consider investing in a portable or stationary generator, especially if you have health conditions that make you sensitive to temperatures should you lose power for an extended period of time
a bag of clothes and toiletries for a minimum of 2 days should you have to evacuate
Back-up supply of medications, first-aid items, and any medical supplies that require a prescription or regular refill/replacement
Staying informed: Stay updated on local weather alerts, emergency notifications, and community resources. Know the emergency routes for your area should you have to evacuate. Know your local radio and tv stations and have them available for updates.
By taking proactive steps to enhance your home security and personal safety, you can create a more secure and comfortable living environment. Remember, staying informed about common scams, practicing fire safety, and maintaining an emergency plan are essential components of a safe retirement. By prioritizing these measures, you can enjoy your golden years with peace of mind and independence.
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