Clearwater Fire Chief Ryan Pridgeon and Clearwater Postmaster Nicole Cromwell spoke at the Young at Heart gathering Thursday, with presentations on various safety topics.

 

Pridgeon brought along a handout on safety geared towards seniors, and discussed some of the more important information with attendees.

 

He told the group the fire department doesn’t respond to many house fires anymore, as most of today’s homes are built with safety in mind. In fact, of the 260 calls they responded to last year, approximately 85% were medicals. 

 

Even so home fires still occur, with cooking the leading cause. Candles are another cause; Pridgeon recommended flameless candles, which provide the same ambiance without the danger. 

 

Smoke detectors need to be on every floor of the house and by each bedroom. They should be checked every six months and replaced every 10 years; electricians can replace any that are hardwired.

 

Fire extinguishers should be readily available and kept in lower areas for those with mobility issues. In addition to checking their gauges, Pridgeon recommended they be turned over and shaken once a year, which loosens the powder inside and helps them last longer.

 

Most are ABC extinguishers, meaning they’re good for all types of fires except for grease. For a grease fire, cut off the oxygen supply by placing a lid over it or pouring on a lot of salt. Never use water as it will cause a fireball.

 

Falls are the most common issue in general home safety; always check to ensure there’s nothing to trip on. If someone does fall and can’t get up, Pridgeon recommended calling for help rather than trying to do it themselves, as they may lose their balance and also fall.

 

“Always call 911,” said Pridgeon. “Even if it’s just for a lift assist, I’ve got guys around the township that are happy to help.”

 

He told the group to keep a phone by their bed and where they sit most, and reminded them 911 can be called from any charged cell phone, even when not in a service area. The same also works for texting.

 

Especially helpful for fire and medical personnel is people listing all their medications on a notecard. He explained a person may be unconscious or can’t remember, and often treatment can’t be started until they know what a patient is taking for fear of a drug reaction.

 

After answering questions, Pridgeon again stressed the importance of calling 911.

 

“Even if you’re not sure you need us, call us,” he said. “We’ll come out. Your taxes pay for it.” 

 

Cromwell spoke to the group about mail safety, telling them mail theft has occurred in the area so they need to be aware of it. 

 

She explained a free service offered through the post office called Informed Delivery. After signing up, residents get an email each morning with an image of every piece of letter mail that will be delivered to them that day. If something isn’t there, it’s a red flag and Cromwell told the group to call her. She will then contact police and the postal inspector.

 

The post office also offers a number of other services, including scheduling a free package pick up, flat rate boxes, tracking, insurance, and Click-n-Ship, where users can pay postage online and print labels from their computers. 

 

Currently Sunday package delivery only occurs in December, however, Cromwell stated it was possible it could be offered year-round sometime in the future.

 

On a typical day, their office averages 200 packages in Clearwater and Clear Lake. They have contracts with FedEx, UPS and DHL to deliver their lighter items.

 

“Packages are going way up and letters are going way down,” Cromwell said. “Everyone is going online for convenience and because they’re worried about theft.”

 

Questioned why the Clearwater Post Office is closed over lunch, she explained there’s only a certain number of hours they’re can be open due to the budget, but said she could look into the possibility of moving those hours.

 

Cromwell also informed the group shipping rates were going up across all services January 21. 

 

Young at Heart is a nondenominational group that meets the third Thursday of every month at Rejoice Lutheran Church in Clearwater. Attendees begin gathering at 10:30 a.m. to talk and play cards, followed by lunch at noon and a program. To sign up, call Rejoice at 320-558-6851 or email rejoice@rejoicelutheranchurch.org.