As a senior citizen, you can give others the chance to experience the joy of giving to YOU. Here’s how . . .
When we get to November, we know that “holiday season” is just around the corner. So every year here at Emergency Plan Guide we remind you that preparedness items make good stocking stuffers for kids as well as smart “thank-you gifts” for employees.
This year, though, we are turning things around. We’re not suggesting that you experience the joy of giving to others.
This year, we want to help others get the joy of giving . . . to you!
This is an idea that came up at a recent neighborhood meeting, here in our senior community. (Since everyone at the meeting was a senior citizen, they agreed it was a GREAT idea.) It was such a good idea that we turned it into a newsletter article to share with all!
So here’s what our group will be publishing the first week of December, in time for Hanukkah and Christmas. Today, though, as a reader of Emergency Plan Guide, you’re getting this good idea early.
The Holiday List for Seniors . . .
My Neighbors Helped Me Make this List!
- Show me how to QUICKLY call 911 using my cellphone.
- Make sure my doors aren’t blocked with furniture, boxes, etc.
- Help me get rid of trip hazards — throw rugs, pet dishes, etc.
- Can you bring me some half-gallon bottles of water?
- Do all my windows open? Do all my lights work?
- Grab a towel (to muffle the sound) and test my smoke alarms.
- Be sure I have a working flashlight in every room.
- Help me pack an “Under the bed” kit in case a disaster hits at night: flashlight, shoes, sweater or jacket, whistle, gloves, list of emergency contact names, and some water.
This checklist is a great preparedness exercise for an older friend or family member.
Here’s the step-by-step . . .
- Are you, or do you know, someone who could use a helping hand to make sure their home is as safe as it ought to be? Cut out this list and hand it to them.
- Tell them to check off small safety or preparedness jobs that just aren’t getting done around the house.
- Finally, mail or hand the list to younger friends or family members who are planning a holiday visit. If they arrive with list in hand, they will easily get these simple jobs done!
I guarantee that this list has the chance to produce a big WIN-WIN!
Virginia
Your Emergency Plan Guide team
P.S. In this case, the joy of giving is actually a 3-way win!
- If you’re the one receiving these small gifts, you’ll be so much more comfortable and more confident as you head into a new year.
- If it’s your mother or father or another older relative that gets these small safety gifts, you can feel satisfied that you have done a good turn – or two.
- If it’s a neighbor who receives these gifts – your whole neighborhood will be safer in the future.
Take advantage of this simple giving opportunity. Such opportunities don’t come along every day.
Don't miss a single Advisory.
Thank you for subscribing.
Something went wrong.
Good list and a great idea. I’ve found many of my older pals have smoke detectors but not carbon monoxide alarms. There is also a fire-extinguisher-in-a-can that is easier to use than a fire extinguisher on the wall. Another good idea: instead of asking “do you need anything?” ask, “Is anything in the house, car, yard, etc., bothering you?” By asking that I discovered one of my newly widowed friends had no idea how to put up the storm windows her husband removed every year.
Your question about “Anything bothering you?” is such a good one. Thanks for reminding us the best way to get that conversation started!