Power
Smart Tips for Senior Safety Safety
for Seniors in our Communities
Crime
prevention and safety not only includes securing one’s home and
possessions, but also includes being aware of one’s personal
surroundings and limitations. Seniors and individuals with
disabilities are often more vulnerable to being victimized by crime due to
their personal and situational limitations.
As
part of the week long BC Crime Prevention Week Campaign, the BC Crime
Prevention Association and BC Hydro remind seniors and persons with
disabilities across British Columbia of various steps they can take to
increase their sense of personal safety.
The
following Power Smart tips will help you save energy, money and the
environment. They will also keep your home safe and secure.
Installing lighting controls is one of the simplest and most efficient
means of reducing lighting energy costs.
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Dimming
incandescent and fluorescent lamps saves energy, increases the life of
lamps and adds a range of lighting levels to your system.
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Timers
allow you to control your interior or exterior lighting or appliances, by
turning them on and off at a determined time.
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Motion
Sensors: In
residential areas, outdoor security lights can account for a large
portion of overall lighting costs. Motion sensors are a good
choice for controlling outdoor security lighting.
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Photocells
are
especially good for outdoor or security lighting control. They sense
existing light and turn electric lights on when natural levels are low,
off when light levels are higher.
According
to Valerie MacLean, BCCPA Executive Director, “One of the many ways
community members can create a safer community is by getting to know those
who live within their own neighbourhoods.” MacLean adds, “Being
aware of those around you allows one to know who belongs and who does not
belong within our neighbourhoods.” The following awareness tips
can assist you in helping yourself and your community
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Introduce
Yourself
– Get to know your neighbours, including their names and phone numbers.
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Participate –
Join a ‘Neighbourhood Watch’ or ‘Block Watch’ Program.
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Be Aware
- Read the paper, listen to the radio and watch the news on television to
learn about activities which may be of significance to your neighbourhood.
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Avoid Being
a Target
– Criminals look for the easy targets. They want to enter a home
quickly and efficiently.
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Be
suspicious
– Make note of and report to local police suspicious activity which may
be taking place within your neighbourhood.
