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General Safety Issues, Uncategorized

SENIOR SECURITY: SAFE AT HOME (GUEST POST)

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By Maddy Olsen.

Whether you are enjoying your golden years or a family member of a senior, there are things to look out for to increase their safety. Even if you live in a retirement community, some of these will still apply. Seniors tend to be the target of scam artists and hoodlums. They will case a home before they strike and sometimes it doesn’t end well. Being well protected will ease everyone’s mind.

  • Windows

Having double paned windows are great for energy efficiency, but they also have very secure locks on them. However, in the event that one is left unlocked, another safety measure should be taken just to ensure complete home security. It is as simple as having wooden dowels cut to fit in the tracks of all the windows in the house, even the bathroom. Home improvement stores generally carry these and will cut them for you if you ask.

  • Doors

Traditionally, we just lock our front door and rely on us not losing the keys to get us back in. Now, there is a way to unlock the door using the cell phone. The app is easy to navigate and requires an electronic device be put on the deadbolt area of the door. It can be easily installed with a screwdriver and is accessible from anywhere in the world, on most accounts. They can also be programmed to work with multiple phones, so family can unlock it in case of emergency or if the parents ever get locked out.

  • Garage Doors

Any outside entrance to the home is a concern. Garage doors are one of those safety issues that should be addressed. But it is only a garage door, you say? Well, that is true, but it is one of the biggest threats to home security. Having a newer model of garage door opener will reduce the risk of anyone being able to copy the code used to open the door. However, carry the opener in your purse or invest in a keychain opener. If anyone were to get into the car, they would take the opener to be able to get inside the home. When going on a trip, use padlocks to secure the door by the handles near the ground. But even more importantly, always lock the door that leads from your garage into the house. If possible, install a deadbolt to reinforce the door and make it that much harder to get in.

  • Smoke Alarms

This doesn’t deter thieves, but it is a very important part of safety and feeling secure in your home. Fires kill more than 4,000 people every year. That is not including those that die from complications due to the fire. That’s a lot of casualties that might have been prevented. Change the batteries in all smoke detectors each month. Just testing the alarms may not ensure that the batteries will work when there is a need for them to. New fresh batteries will keep them in tip top shape all the time. Practice an escape plan so if there were a fire in the home, the residents will know what to do based on the circumstances. 

Security of the home is so very important and so many of us pay little attention to it. If there are any concerns, address them sooner than later. Ask for help if you need it, but don’t be the victim of a terrible event because your locks and codes are subpar. Your personal safety should be a priority.

Maddy Olsen  blogs on a variety of subjects that are deep topics and can change lives. Writing for Brookdale http://www.brookdaleliving.com/ assisted living is a very rewarding passion she enjoys. Several losses in her family to Alzheimer’s Disease has prompted her write about the topics she has researched or practiced.

General Safety Issues

HOW TO PROTECT YOUR IDENTITY

Almost every one of us is carrying a wallet or purse full of personal information, and there are crooks out there just waiting to get their hands on them!  Some thieves may be hiding behind a computer, but there are many others that gain access to your good fortune and hard work simply the old-fashioned way, by stealing your purse or wallet.    Women, especially, should keep an eye on their purse at all times, and never leave it in their cars, even locked. 

When someone uses your personal information, they are committing identity fraud.  The Federal Trade Commission estimates that up to 9 million Americans have their identity stolen each year.  This is a very serious crime, one that can result in causing hard working persons to spend a great deal of money and time repairing their good name and credit records.  Others may be able to resolve the problem easily, but it still shouldn’t happen to anyone. 

Just in case, it is a good idea for you to take the time NOW to copy front and back of every card that you carry with you.   You will need the information on the cards to help you with security codes and contact information required to report loss or theft.  If you have travel plans, keep this info with you in a safe place, and also keep it secure in your home. 

If you do online banking, etc., it is a good idea to change passwords often.  Don’t use the standard things such as your mother’s maiden name, your pet’s name, or other things they may have a way of discovering.  When you need to call your credit card company, don’t cancel your account, as that might hurt your credit score, if you have an outstanding balance.  Just ask for an account number change and explain what has happened.  If you should lose your checkbook, be sure to notify your bank and get a new ATM or debit card, along with a new checking account.  Monitor any online accounts that you have often in order to track suspicious transactions. 

The Federal Trade Commission classifies several types of identity theft as follows:

  • Dumpster Diving:  persons who rummage through trash, going through your bills and other information.
  • Skimming: stealing credit/debit card numbers by using specialized storage devices when processing your card.
  • Phishing: pretending to be companies or financial institutions that send spam or pop-up messages to get you to reveal personal information.
  • Changing your address: Divert billing statements by completing a change of address form.
  • Stealing:  Lifting wallets, purses, or stealing your mail that contains pre-approved credit card offers, new checks from your bank, or by bribing others who have access to personnel records.
  • Pretexting:  Persons who use false pretenses such as posing as an employee with a research firm to obtain your personal information.  Never give that information to anyone over the phone.   

Shred most statements within 45 days of receipt, unless you need them for proof of purchase.  Bank statements, check stubs, medical bills, and anything containing your personal information should also be shredded.  Keep income tax information, records of payments, and prescription and medical information that you need in a safe place. 

It’s sad, but there are bandits and cyber-bandits everywhere.  We need to protect our information and teach our children to do the same.  When it comes to your privacy, you can’t be too safe!