Commonsense reminders help elders keep warm, safe

There is a definite chill in the air, and some low-lying areas have had frost warnings. I need no such indicators of autumn’s arrival, however.

I can always tell that fall is fast approaching when my older cat, Dixie, starts burrowing under the bedspread. This is her alternate heat source, as opposed to lying in the sun or curling up in her own cat bed.

Staying warm is simple for Dix, but for her human counterparts, it is not always so easy or risk free. Seniors, especially, may find themselves in need of some assistance with chores, such as banking the house and scouting out drafty windows in need of repair.

The high cost of oil and utilities may have some people scurrying for other heating options. Fireplaces, wood burning stoves and space heaters have all gained popularity, but each can pose a safety risk.

To keep your home warm but safe, Jason Johnson, public education officer for the Bangor Fire Department, has some tips:

. Use a glass or metal screen in front of a fireplace opening to prevent embers or sparks from escaping, or material not intended to be burned from entering.

. Do not use excessive amounts of paper to build up a roaring fire, which can ignite creosote in the chimney.

. Always follow directions on synthetic logs. Never split one to quicken a fire, and do not burn more than one at a time.

Wood stoves are a common choice for heat. Just be sure they are properly installed, maintained and Underwriters Laboratories-listed. And remember to have the chimney professionally cleaned every year.

For many seniors, space heaters are the sensible solution. While these heaters can be effective, they also can be dangerous if not handled properly.

When using a kerosene heater, Johnson advises:

. Give the heaters three feet of space on all sides, and never place them near anything flammable, such as papers, clothing or bedding.

. Make sure there is proper ventilation. Burning fuel, such as kerosene, coal, or propane produces deadly fumes. It is also a good idea to invest in a carbon monoxide alarm, and install it near the sleeping area.

. Check to be sure the heater has an emergency shut off in case it is accidentally knocked over.

. Be very careful when refilling the heater. Never do it indoor or when the unit is hot. Also, avoid overfilling the tank and use only fuel recommended for that particular heater.

When using an electric heater, be careful of the cord, which could be a tripping hazard. And never place the cord under a rug or let it get “pinched” by anything.

While all these methods of home heating may be perfectly acceptable, bear in mind that they are a major contributing factor in residential fires.

These suggestions are mostly common sense, but sometimes, especially if one is in a hurry, it’s easy to “just this once” ignore the obvious.

So a little caution goes a long way in ensuring a warm but safe season.

And speaking of safety and caution, Johnson recommends having large house numbers that can be seen from the street.

Minutes count, he said, and it is very frustrating for emergency crews when they can’t find the residence in need of assistance. They are racing to get to you, so make it easier for them by attaching the large numbers.

And everyone should have working smoke detectors with fresh batteries on every level of the home, he added.

The winter months may not be the best of times but – well let’s just leave it at that.

Seniors interested in fuel assistance should call Eastern Agency on Aging to inquire about referrals, income requirements and necessary guidelines.

Carol Higgins is director of communications at Eastern Agency on Aging. For information on EAA, call 941-2865 or log on www.eaaa.org.