Today is National Senior Citizens Day. Join me in celebrating these beloved family members and neighbors today and every day. This day is dedicated to increasing awareness about issues that affect older adults and supporting them throughout the aging process. It’s also a time to recognize and acknowledge their lasting contributions to our communities.
In recognition of National Senior Citizens Day, our Community Engagement Division hosted a Facebook Live discussion this afternoon to share helpful resources and safety advice with our elderly loved ones.
Emergency Preparedness for Seniors
In anticipation of an active hurricane season, we encourage residents to be informed and ready for a disaster. Emergency planning is especially important for older adults. It’s critical to consider any special assistance they may need and include it in their preparedness plan. If you live near a senior citizen who might need assistance preparing for a hurricane, please take a moment to check in with them now and let them know you’re available to help. The CDC recommends taking steps to ensure seniors are protected.
- Create a support network of family, friends, and others who can assist you during an emergency and share your disaster plans with them. Decide how you will communicate with each other.
- Consider speaking with your neighbors about developing a check-in system together.
- Plan how you will leave and where you will go during an evacuation. If you are living in a retirement or assisted living community, learn what procedures are in place in case of emergencies.
- Consider your medical, transportation, or other access needs during an emergency.
- Create a care plan using an easy-to-use care plan template from the CDC.
- Medical related items:
- Have at least a three-day supply of medicine. List of all medications, including the exact dosage and prescribing physician.
- ID band (full name, emergency contact, and medical information)
- Information about medical devices such as wheelchairs, walkers, and oxygen.
- Put together a Disaster Supply Kit with recommended items from Ready.gov.
- Sign up for local emergency alerts at ReadyHarris.org.
Crime Prevention for Seniors
We encourage seniors to stay involved in their communities and to take precautions to reduce their vulnerability to certain crimes, such as mugging and fraud.
- Stay active in your community. Get to know your neighbors by introducing yourself and joining your homeowner association or Neighborhood Watch Program.
- Be aware of the types of criminal activity happening in your neighborhood.
- Be especially wary of good deals, good faith money, and get rich quick schemes.
- When you’re at home:
- Keep your doors locked. Don’t let strangers in your home without checking their identification. Call their company if you’re not sure.
- Protect windows and sliding glass doors with good locks or other security devices.
- Don’t hide extra house keys under a doormat or other obvious spots.
- If you live alone, don’t make it well-known.
- When you’re not at home:
- Make your home appear occupied when you go out by leaving lights on.
- Make sure someone knows where you’re going and when you expect to return.
- Work out a buddy system with a neighbor to check on each other regularly.
- If you’re carrying a purse or bag, don’t dangle it. Hold it close to your body.
- Have your car or house key in hand as you approach your home or vehicle.
- Park in well-lit, busy areas and carry a cell phone with you, if possible.
For more safety tips, please reach out to our Crime Prevention Unit at crime.prevention@sheriff.hctx.net.
Heads up, Texas
One in five crashes on our state’s roads is caused by a distracted driver. The Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) is testing your ability to keep your attention on the road with a new augmented reality game. Dart Those Distractions helps Texans recognize and stop various distractions behind the wheel. It’s an important reminder that distracted driving takes many forms and isn’t just about texting or talking.
All distractions can be dangerous and are preventable. TxDOT encourages drivers to:
- Always give driving your full attention. It’s against the law in Texas to read, write or send a text while driving.
- Make any adjustments to your GPS, seats, mirrors, radio, and air condition prior to getting on the road. Decide on your route and check traffic conditions ahead of time.
Five seconds is the average time your eyes are off the road while texting. At a speed of 55 mph, that’s enough time to cover the length of a football field. Let’s commit to driving safely to help end the streak of daily deaths. For more information from TxDOT, click here.
Staying Alert
Flattening the curve and saving lives starts with staying informed on the development of COVID-19 and practicing the recommended guidelines from the CDC and local public health authorities. Harris County Public Health (HCPH) provides daily updates on testing and confirmed cases via the Harris County / Houston COVID-19 Cases Dashboard.
HCPH encourages residents to register for free COVID-19 testing if they are exhibiting symptoms or have been in contact with someone who tested positive.
God bless you, and may God bless the Harris County Sheriff’s Office.