Real Estate NewsCanadian Connection: Safety Begins at Home
Once snow and ice melt into a bad memory, too many Canadians relax their
guard and take home safety for granted. As long as unintentional
injuries, usually called "accidents," remain a leading cause of death,
hospitalization and loss of independence, our sense of security at home
may be a false one.
Although most people treasure independence above all else, especially as
they age, not enough people take action to preserve this autonomy.
According to the Canada Safety Council, accidental falls continue to
account for 65 per cent of injuries among older Canadians and result in
40 per cent of admissions to nursing homes. Falls are also the main
cause of fatal injury among the elderly.
Exercise and good flexibility are antidotes to this problem and we know
that people are living more active, healthier lives than ever before.
However, until we get over the stereotypes of aging and make our homes
the safest places to be at any age, we will see little progress. Grab
bars make sense for everyone. Well-lit, clutter-free stairs are
essential for all. When was the last time you evaluated your home safety?
If finances limit safety-enhancing upgrades and renovations, contact
Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation, Veterans Affairs Canada or your
local politician to see whether you qualify for renovation and
adaptation loans and grants.
Moving from a hectic impersonal city environment to a rural setting or
small town is seen by many as a move towards a more secure life. Thanks
to our federal and provincial politicians that security may also be an
illusion. We pass on this warning from real estate professionals: "Tell
people to be sure they can find a local family doctor before they move!"
New residents should not give up their current doctors, no matter how
far away they"ve moved, until they have found a new physician, dentist,
eye doctor etc. locally and have spent enough time with that doctor to
be satisfied with their level of care.
Wheel into Safety
With the warmer weather, children on bicycles, scooters, skateboards,
in-line skates and all-terrain vehicles seem to be everywhere. Most
Canadians know that wearing a helmet can prevent a serious injury. Four
out of five parents say their kids wear helmets when cycling or in-line
skating. However, over half of adult cyclists don"t wear a helmet when
they ride.
Perhaps adults need a few lessons from Elmer the Safety
Elephant who has taught generations of Canadian children good road
safety habits.
In 1947, Elmer the Safety Elephant was born in Toronto, Ontario, with
dramatic impact: traffic accidents involving Toronto children dropped an
astonishing 44 per cent - even though vehicle registrations increased by
10 per cent!
Since then Elmer has help children overcome momentary excitement and
remember to be careful. Elmer the Safety Elephant"s slogan is "Elmer and
I never forget." (Not a bad one for adults either.) Elmer
has seven traffic safety rules to follow and addresses many aspects of
injury prevention, including playground, fire, school bus, railway, home
and Internet safety.
We are slowly evolving towards a more secure world...
More and more housing-linked-to-services is being built. Some
condominiums have age-in-place features roughed-in so that residents
will not have to move from their homes whatever the future holds. More
community-based groups are getting into the housing game and fewer are
waiting for the government to foot the bill or start the housing ball
rolling.
Growing awareness of the importance of good interior air
quality is promoting the concept of healthy home, safe home.
Canadians are getting to know their neighbours instead of
hiding at home in front of the TV. This is the way we"ll win the fight
against terrorism, prejudice and fear.
Let"s celebrate improved home security!