Agewell Health promotion for older people in New Zealand

Personal Safety

Personal safety is for everyone to consider, not just older people, and includes topics such as your home and property, vehicles, and in your neighbourhood.

As outlined in the Neighbourhood Support website this can mean doing something simple like making a list of the phone numbers of people you can call in an emergency and keep a phone by your bed. You may be able to pre-programme these numbers for speed dialing. Another suggestion highlights the importance of saying no if someone asks to use your phone. Keep them locked out and direct them to the nearest phone box or offer to make the call for them

Suggestions such as the ones above may be obvious with 20/20 hindsight after the event, or when it has happened to someone else!

We have searched for websites of interest and that we hope will be of help. The websites in particular to view are the NZ Police and the Neighbourhood Support websites - both very informative with excellent information and a variety of fact sheets, containing many ideas and hints for staying safe.

An excellent article can be found on older people and consumer fraud by the Australian Institute of Criminology. It is a 'pdf' document so you will need Adobe Acrobat Reader.

You may also wish to view our Falls and Injury Prevention page for personal home safety to avoid injury.

ACC and Neighbourhood Support North Shore are running the Safe@Home campaign to promote safety in North Shore City homes and neighbourhoods. For more information on this campaign read their press release.

Fire Safety

Fire prevention comes about by awareness of fire potentials in the home and what can be done to prevent this. Number one area for fires in New Zealand, in the home is in the kitchen. Number one cause is leaving cooking unattended. Number one solution to number one fire problem, Keep looking when you're cooking" as "cooking fires kill".

Smoke alarms

Most fire stations in New Zealand will come to your house, advise where to place the smoke alarms, and provide assistance with installation to the elderly and people with disabilities. Call your local fire station for advice on where to install the smoke alarms, and assistance with installation for the elderly and people with disabilities.

If you want more information about fire safety visit www.fire.org.nz.

Websites of Interest

Please Note Age Concern North Shore has tried to ensure that all information on this website is correct. However, Age Concern North Shore does not accept liability for any statements or advice contained on, or omissions from, nor endorse any suggested site on this website. Other websites referred to on this website are here for reference only. The information on this website should not be regarded as a substitute for professional advice and we do suggest that you consult with your health, legal or financial professional.

Website last updated 30/06/2010