By Nan Donovan, columnist
As Senior Citizens, whether we live alone or not, we are required always to be as safe as we can possibly be and that means looking for things that can help us achieve that goal.
There are a lot of new products on the market today that are really worth looking into. For instance, have you heard of the Safe-T-Element cooking system? It was created to help prevent the many fires that occur due to unattended stove tops.
It is an electronically controlled solid cover plate that works with electric coil stovetops and a mechanism installed within the stove to automatically shut off the burners when it gets too hot or stays on for an extended period of time. Sounds complicated, doesn’t it? But think of it, how many times we forgotten to turn the burner off after something was done cooking? Or how many times have we forgotten to reduce the heat after something begins to boil? It happens to me many times, but it only takes one time for an accident to happen.
The Safe-T-Element is said to be expensive, the article didn’t quote the price, and it would have to be hooked up by an electrician, so please don’t try to hook it up yourself. There has to be directions with it, but you know me and instruction booklets. I dislike them almost as much as I do this computer.
Another safety device in the article I was reading was a temperature-activated flow reducer. The small device works as a screw-on attachment to shower heads or sink faucets that cut off the flow when the water gets too hot. The article stated that these flow reducers are available in most hardware stores and typically sell for less than $50. Another handy safety device to check out.
Then I read about the Safe Personal Alarm. It is a fairly new alarm. This device is capable of creating a sound that is compared to a military jet during takeoff. Instead of having a button that could easily be pressed by accident, the Safe Sound device utilizes a pull-pin. Once pulled, the device emits it ear-piercing sound up to 30 continuous minutes or until the pin is replaced. It can be used over and over, it easily attaches to your key chain and it’s only 3 inches long. It’s battery operated, and the batteries last three months if you would pull the chord 100 times.
This device is not only used by Senior Citizens, mothers of children are getting them. Men and women find them useful especially when jogging, biking or participating in their favorite sport.
The article I read, they were selling them for $39.99 up until May 10 and of course, it was May 11 when I saw the article. But the article also said they sold for less than a $100 and the more you bought, the less they were. It’s something you should look into.
These are just a few of the devices that I have come across. For every day safety in your home, just a reminder… throw rugs on the floor? I had a terrible fall from a rug, ended up in the hospital for five days, was black and blue from my face down to my waist and it was a month before I could cope as I had before the accident. So always be looking for ways to be safe where ever you are.
Till next time. Be safe.
“The Right Age” is a weekly column written for senior citizens by 84-year-old Nan Donovan, who has lived in the Shenandoah Valley for 45 years. She has worked for newspapers, as well as radio and television stations, including WLCC. She moved to the Valley from Pennsylvania.
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