17 July 2012

Pin It

Seventy Five Tips For Senior Citizens Safety Guidelines For Senior Citizens For Everyone


Seventy Five Tips For Senior Citizens Safety Guidelines For Senior Citizens For Everyone

As people grow older, their chances of being victims of crime increase dramatically.
So one should need to be aware.

Prevention is better than Cure .

One cannot escape the fact that senior citizens are at a much greater risk today than ever before.
After all, a worrying number of the elderly live on their own.
Abandoned by their uncaring families, they are left completely helpless in crises and extremely vulnerable to criminal elements, health problems, and depression. Now they will have a family of their own again: a family of thousands called Elder Line.

DO'S AND DON'TS FOR YOU: For Everyone

1)  
Employ a servant after verifying his real name, native address with the help of the nearest Police Station.

2)  
Never discuss financial matters in front of your servant

3)  
It is always safe to deposit your valuables in safe deposit vault of any Bank

4)  
Treat your servant in a humane way

5)  
Do not allow any of the relatives or friends of your servant to visit your house. If at all he has any frequent visitor, get his antecedents checked from police and try to keep the number of such persons.

6)  
Make your neighbor know of you being staying alone. The Housing Society also needs to know this.

7)  
Use of modern security gadgets is always advantageous. Door alarm, electronic eye bell etc. is available in market. Consult the professionals in this regard

8)  
Install Caller Id on your phone

9)  
Consider carrying a cell phone for emergencies.

10)  
Install a peephole in your front door and always check the identification of strangers before you let them inside your home.

11)  
Never leave spare keys in open or in the conventional hiding places

12)  
Do not hide keys in mailboxes and planters or under doormats. Give an extra set of keys to a trusted neighbor or friend.

13)  
Stop newspaper and mail deliveries if you are going away

14)  
Verify the identity of any repairmen or technicians. Use the telephone number listed in the phone book, not the one suggested by them

15)  
Inform your society about the unacquainted visitors, so that their identity could be checked at the very gate of the society

16)  
A well-designed electronic alarm system attached to the office of your Housing. Society or to the watchman’s cabin would be advisable so as to send alarm signals to all simultaneously

17)  
When you admit a workman or a salesman, do not leave him alone at any time

18)  
Take adequate precautions before investing your money with any private agencies.

19)  
Slow down Never act quickly Avoid lenders who promise guaranteed, low-interest loans and next-day approval if you pay them some money today.

20)  
Have at least two other people you trust read a contract before you sign it.

21)  
Be aware of your surroundings constantly look to your left, to your right and behind you to see if anyone is following you.

22)  
Some seniors are concerned about their safety on the street. Do not have an exaggerated fear of crime; however, recognize the fact that it can happen to you. You must ask yourself: "Just how real is this threat? Is it safe to walk in my neighborhood during the day or night? Have there been street crimes, purse snatchings, robberies, or assaults?" If street crimes are a problem in your neighborhood and you have a fear of being victimized, find out what you can do that will eliminate or reduce your risk.

23)  
The majority of street crimes are crimes of opportunity. The thief is looking for an easy target: a woman walking down a quiet street, a man who has just cashed his pension check and has been observed with a substantial amount of money. Alternatively, the thief decides that this is the right place and the right time, and you just happen to be there. The thief is very likely to be a teenager, a male, and a stranger to you.

24)  
The most common street crime is purse snatching or Jewellery Mangalsutra snatching. The thief approaches you from behind or face on, catches you unaware, grabs your purse or MangalSutra and runs. It happens so quickly that you do not have a chance to see who the thief is. There have been reports of men having their wallets taken from them by force. These offences do not occur that often, but they do occur.

25)  
NEVER:  CARRY LARGE SUMS OF MONEY, FLASH YOUR MONEY FOR ALL TO SEE, OR  CARRY VALUABLES IN FULL VIEW ON YOUR PERSON

26)  
Is it always necessary to carry your purse? If you are going to the store for groceries, take along only the amount of money you feel you will need. Be alert when you are carrying a purse on the street or in a store. Use a shoulder strap model and keep it tucked between your body and your arm. Do not dangle a purse by the straps or hold a clutch-style purse just in the hand. If your purse is a clasp type, carry the purse so that it opens towards your body. If you look as though you are protecting your purse, you will not be considered an easy target. DO NOT wrap purse straps around your wrist or you could be dragged along or knocked to the ground in the event of a "snatch". Should your purse be snatched, try to remember the most significant physical characteristic about the offender. A facial scar or a physical deformity, or a distinctive facial characteristic. This description information is more important than the color of jacket that can be easily discarded. Call the police immediately or ask someone to call for you. Your best defense is practicing crime prevention techniques. Learn what you can do to protect yourself. It may mean going shopping in pairs or in a group, or changing your route to avoid a certain street corner or youth hangout. And there is nothing to stop you from reporting problem areas to the proper authorities. Do not be embarrassed to call the police. It is their job to assist you and investigate problem areas.

27)  
Senior citizens are approached by individuals offering to perform various home repair jobs such as driveway repair, roof or gutter repair and asphalt repair. The perpetrators claim to have materials left over from other jobs, offer significant discounts, or that they were sent by a close relative or friend.  Once the job is completed, the cost of the work is suddenly more than the first quote and payment in cash is demanded. The con artists may even offer to provide a ride to the bank so the victim can convert his/her check to cash.

28)  
According to the Better Business Bureau and the FTC, here is how you can reduce your risk of becoming a victim of telemarketing fraud: Be skeptical of "too good to be true" telephone offers. Resist pressure for an immediate decision and ask for written follow-up materials that explain the offer. Agree to pay no more than the price of a postage stamp when notified about "winning" a sweepstakes. All legitimate sweepstakes must allow a "no purchase necessary" way to play the game and collect the prize. Never provide your credit card or checking account numbers to a caller from an unfamiliar company

29)  
You control conversations and information flow on your telephone. If you do not know the caller, do not volunteer information. Should the caller ask: "Who is this?" you should respond: "Whom are you calling?" or "Whom do you wish to speak to?" Make the caller identify whom he/she is calling. If you do not receive an appropriate response, hang up.

30)  
Do not allow yourself to be drawn into conversations with stranger callers, census/survey takers, or business promotion sales persons where you are asked to reveal your name, address, marital status, personal history information, etc. Never give out personal information over the telephone. If the call is legitimate and the representative actually requires the information, arrange a meeting at your convenience. The legitimate caller will respect your position and agree to an alternate approach. If in doubt, ask the caller for the name of the business and telephone number, so that you can return the call. Then, check the number to ensure that it corresponds to the caller's information.

31)  
In the case of obscene phone calls, night calls from strangers or frequent wrong number calls, telephone your police department or your telephone company and seek their advice. If necessary, change your phone number.

32)  
If a stranger is legitimately at your door, he / she will not object to you being cautious. Establish the caller’s identity and the reason for the visit. If he / she refuse to show identification and will not leave, quietly go to the telephone and notify the police. If you live in an apartment complex, telephone your building superintendent. Should the caller produce identification but you still are not sure of the validity of the visit, telephone the caller's business office for confirmation. If you still feel uncomfortable, do not open the door; ask the caller to return in 30 minutes or an hour. This will allow you sufficient time to contact a friend or relative to be present when the caller returns. Being cautious increases your safety and well-being.

33)  
There are a number of ways you can secure your doors. If you do not feel your locks are adequate, we recommend that you contact a professional locksmith or a friend to assist you. Most local police departments have literature on home security that will provide you with information on various residential locking devices. Should you consider improving the security of your home, investigate thoroughly your lock requirements and the cost of upgrading the security of your doors, for a lock is only as effective as the door and frame on which it is installed.

34)  
Beware of men and women who approach you with a sad story and ask to borrow money from you. This is a common scam

35)  
Beware of persons dressed as construction workers or meter readers wanting in your home they usually work in pairs and while one is distracting you, the other is stealing your valuables. Call the company where they say they work before letting them in your home.

36)  
Beware of men and- women who approach you in stores asking for help with finding an item. These con artists work in pairs. While one person is distracting your attention by asking for help, another person is stealing your wallet.

37)  
Be sure the person who handles your money can be trusted. Do not sign a check or contract until you are sure it is for a legitimate reason

38)  
If you receive checks in the mail, arrange for them to be sent directly to the bank.

39)  
Vary the routine of your banking: days, times, and branches.

40)  
Go with a family member or friend when possible park your car near an entrance.

41)  
Follow your instincts if you get a bad feeling about someone while walking to your car, do not ignore that feeling. Return to the store and find someone to escort you to your car.

42)  
Do not carry large sums of money on you. Use travelers' checks instead that can be easily replaced.

43)  
Carry your money, ID cards, and credit cards in a money belt under clothing rather than carrying a purse or wallet. This keeps it hidden from plain view and close to your body at all times.

44)  
Do not count your dollars in public when leaving a restaurant, store, etc., or display large sums of money. Use a cash card or credit card whenever possible

45)  
If you do not hear from elderly friends for several days, stop by and check on them, call them.

46)  
Start a buddy system where you and a close friend or neighbor check in with each other once a day.

47)    For HELP Call in Mumbai
48)    Local Police Helpline 100
49)    Mumbai Police Helpline 1090
50)    Senior Citizens Helpline 1298

51)    Bangalore- STD Code – 080
52)    Nightingales and the Bangalore city Police – 1090 / 22943226

53)    Chennai- STD Code -044
54)    Police Senior Citizens Helpline – 1253

55)    Delhi- STD Code -011 Police Senior Citizens Helpline -1291

56)    Kolkata – STD Code -033
57)    Police Senior citizens Helpline – 09830088884

58)    Hyderabad –STD Code – 040
59)    Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation – Aasara- Toll Free No – 1253

60)  
Ahmadabad Senior Citizens Police Helpline – 18002336600

61)    Chandigarh Senior Citizens police Helpline 1090 / 9888988847
62)    Indore Senior Citizens Police Helpline 0731 -251 0308/2522111

63)  
Gulbarga helpline 1090

64)  
Mangalore Helpline 1090

65)  
Coimbatore 1253

66)  
Pune Senior Citizen Police Helpline 1091

67)  
Nagpur Police Senior Citizens Helpline 0712 – 2564333

68)  
If a driving situation makes you uncomfortable, do not do it. Many older drivers voluntarily begin to make changes in their driving practices. For instance, you may decide to drive only during daylight hours if you have trouble seeing well in reduced light. If fast-moving traffic bothers you, consider staying off freeways, highways, and find street routes instead. You may also decide to avoid driving in bad weather (rain, thunderstorms, snow, hail, ice). If you are going to a place that is unfamiliar to you, it is a good idea to plan your route before you leave so that you feel more confident and avoid getting lost.

69)  
Elder abuse is a serious crime that affects the victim physically and emotionally. Elder abuse can occur in a nursing home, by a home health aide, acquaintance, stranger or sadly, by your own family members.

70)  
Be diligent if a caregiver makes you feel uncomfortable. Do not be afraid to ask for someone else to assist you rather than that caregiver.

71)  
Medline Plus defines elder abuse as doing something or failing to do something to a senior citizen that results in harm to them or puts them in imminent danger. This could happen if someone who is caring for you steals your money, property, credit, or personal belongings.

72)  
Neglecting you physically by withholding food, medicine or failing to assist you with general hygiene also constitutes as abuse.

73)  
Physically assaulting you by hitting, punching, or bruising you is also something that should not be tolerated.

74)  
Be sure to tell someone you trust about your abusive situation or call law enforcement immediately.

75)  

Because many criminals target those victims who are considered vulnerable, it is especially imperative that senior citizens be the "BOSS" (Be Observant, Smart, and Safe) whether at home or during their travels.

Reality views by sm –

Tuesday, July 17, 2012

Tags -  Senior Citizens Tips Safety Guidelines

10 comments:

MEcoy July 17, 2012  

our seniors safety must never be compromised

Bart July 18, 2012  

wow, there is actually 75 tips in one post. madness. glad im not a senior yet

Funny Pets July 18, 2012  

I don't want to be old

virendra sharma July 18, 2012  

very useful tips ,sir ,thanks.

Content Hedgehog July 18, 2012  

O_o Man that's a lot of tips.