Seven Senior Safety Solutions

This blog article is especially for seniors for many reasons. One, seniors constitute a large portion of our total population. Two, my parents and in-laws are seniors. Three, seniors have been an inspiration to me my entire life. One of my best friends, literally, while growing up in Tennessee was a gentleman by the name of Mr. Naron. We did many things together...fish, play checkers, and best of all, spent hours and hours just sitting on his back patio talking. Mr. Naron was wise. He used to talk about only having a Locust Grove education (a small one room school) but he was a successful business man, well read and always had classical music on inside his house in the background. He was simply a great man!

Seniors are often the targets of crime for many reasons. You know these reasons but I think its worth mentioning that seniors are typically financially secure and are more easily overpowered. So, in honor to Mr. Naron and seniors everywhere, I want to share 'Seven Safety Solutions' that will help assure your peace of mind...after all you deserve it as much as anyone!

1. DO NOT hide keys. You've heard me say this before...and you'll hear me say it again and again. Anything "hidden" is meant to be "found."
2. Remember to lock doors and windows even when you're home.
3. Don't answer the door to someone you don't know, PERIOD!
4. Do not call the post office to "hold" your mail if you are going out of town. It's none of their business. Have a trusted neighbor collect your mail. Also, let your neighbor know how to get in touch with you while you are gone.
5. Let the police know that you'll be out of town. Most all PD's will be happy to drive by your house more frequently while you're gone.
6. Put door chains and flip guard locks in the garbage. They're worthless. Replace with products that actual prevent the door from opening such as The Lock Jaw (www.lockjawsecurity.com) or a door brace / stop. The Lock Jaw is very easy to install and seniors - even if they have moderate arthritis - can easily install the product. It costs $20.
7. Construct a safe room! Pick a central room that you can get to quickly in the event of an invasion. Replace this door with a solid door as most interior doors are hollow. This will cost about $100 plus $30 for a deadbolt. Put a cell phone in this room...even an old phone that no longer has service will still react to "911". Put a fire extinguisher in there. If the bad guy gets into your safe room, give him a blast and kick 'em where it counts...HARD! :)

Be safe!