Page 16 - Sports Energy News, Cornwall, Issue No 129

16 Issue #129 October 2023 www.sportsenergynews.com

Cornwall Fire Services with Deputy Chief Leighton Woods

Fire prevention Week

t’s that time of the year again — leaves are changing colour and it’s getting colder. No, I’m not talking about fall or even Halloween. No,
Ithere’s something even more exciting happening in October — Fire Prevention Week!
This year’s message is plain and simple — Cooking safety starts with YOU.
I can’t stress enough how cooking safely is important. Did you know that in Cornwall, cooking accidents are the second biggest cause of
fires, behind smoking?
What can you do to cook safely? For starters, don’t cook if you are sleepy or if you have consumed alcohol. There are a lot better alternatives
if you’ve had a few drinks — think about ordering out and having food delivered.
I t is It’s also very important that you stay in the kitchen when you are frying, boiling, grilling, or broiling food. If you leave the kitchen, even for
a sport period, turn off your stove.
Make sure to also keep anything that can catch fire — such as oven mitts, wooden utensils, food packaging, towels, or curtains — away from your stovetop.
One of the biggest culprits of fires in the kitchen is grease. If you happen to have a small grease fire on your hands, you need to smother the flames by sliding a lid
over the pan and turning off the burner if it happens to be on your stovetop. Leave the pan covered until completely cooled.
For an oven fire, turn off the heat and keep the door closed. If there is any doubt, call 911 right away.
You should also have a kid-free zone in the kitchen of about three feet around the stove.
Here are a few safety tips when it comes to some of your most popular kitchen appliances.
A pressure cooker is designed to cook food faster than a stovetop or oven. Because it uses hot steam and pressure to cook food it is important that they are used
properly to prevent burns.
To stay safe, place the cooker in an open space to give enough room for the steam to ventilate, never cover the steam release valve on the pressure cooker, and do
not leave the home when using a pressure cooker.
You should give your air fryer enough space. The air vents release heat and need airflow. Do not leave the home when using the air fryer and make sure you clean
grease and food debris after every use. Unplug and allow it to cool completely before cleaning.
A slow cooker is designed to be left on while you do other things, even things outside of the home. However, there are few safety tips to keep in mind. Keep things
that could catch fire away from the slow cooker. Make sure the slow cooker is in a place where it won’t get bumped. If the lid gets dislodged, the liquid could boil
away, which could cause the appliance to overheat and create a fire.
You should also always make sure that your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors are in working order. Remember, they save lives! Stay safe.

Cornwall SDG Paramedic Services

What Seniors can do to Prevent Falls

Since fall is here, I thought that it would be fitting that I talk about Fall Prevention. As we age, motor skills and balance both fail naturally. Add in other diseases, and
the risk rises.
Floor mats, stairs, uneven floors, gravel, or uneven ground can prove challenging. When falls occur, debilitating fractures and head injuries can occur and in the aged,
these can be devastating injuries.
Did you know that falls are the leading cause of injury among older Canadians and that 20-30% of seniors experience one or more falls each year.
Falls also happen to cause 85% of seniors’ injury-related hospitalizations, and 95% of hip fractures among seniors are caused by falls.
Although they are extremely dangerous, falls can be prevented by making certain adjustments both at home and in your lifestyle.
Be sure to eat well, stay fit, and use whatever devices will facilitate your daily life while keeping you safe. Your independence and well-being are at stake.
Bathrooms can be a hazardous place for seniors. That’s why you should ensure that you have non-slip surfaces in the tub or shower.
You should also install grab bars by the toilet and bath to help you sit and stand. Make sure they are well anchored.
Use a raised toilet seat, and a bath seat in the shower, if you need them, and be sure to wipe up moisture or spills immediately.
When it comes to the rest of your home you should aim to reduce clutter. Get rid of loose wires and cords as well as any other obstacles. Consider using a cordless
phone to avoid rushing to answer.
Store kitchen supplies and pots and pans in easy-to-reach locations. Always place heavy items in lower cupboards and use a stable step stool with a safety rail for
reaching high places.
Always try to eat nutritious meals (which includes lots of vegetables and fruits) to retain your strength. Don’t skip meals — it can cause weakness and dizziness.
You should also engage in physical activity every day if possible. That could be anything from walking to Tai Chi and everything in between. Do what you can to
maintain your flexibility and balance.
If you do happen to be falling, try to land on your buttocks to prevent more serious injuries.
Don’t rush to get up. Instead, make sure you are not injured before trying to get up or letting others help you get up. Lastly, don’t let the fear of falling again prevent
you from being active. Inactivity creates an even greater risk of falling.