Introduction to Electricity and protection from potential dangers
Access to electricity is essential for all, at all times. Most people take electricity for granted. But being able to access electricity at all times is vital. What if there is a blackout and you need to do something in the dark? Or worse, what if you lose power and your gas stove malfunctions? There are ways you can prepare in advance for these situations. While it helps to always have a flashlight on hand, you should also invest in a backup generator. They are becoming more popular and can be purchased at most hardware stores. Generators can be plugged into your wall and keep your electronic devices running during blackouts. Electricity supports the entire lifestyle of each individual, from basic lighting, and innumerable gadgets, to luxury demands. But convenience calls for caution, especially for senior citizens. It is important to keep your family, especially children, and aging parents or grandparents safe at home. Thus, it is crucial to protect families from the dangers of electricity.
Electricity- A boon and curse
Everyone can learn how to use electricity safely. It is very important to know what to do in case of any emergency and how to prevent any accident. In fact, knowledge can save lives, so it is important to learn how to use electricity safely by taking relevant training. Training on how to safely use electricity can be acquired by visiting a site that offers programs for such training.
The disadvantage-
Electrical issues like shocks, defective wiring, and short circuits are hazardous as can cause damage to property and the elderly present at home. These senior individuals are usually weak and sick, thereby, are unable to run out of the house in case of any risk situations. Statistically, the elderly especially aged 65+ or more, are vulnerable to electrical dangers. This is the case, mostly because these individuals do not have much knowledge about new inventions and constantly updating technology.
Older adults aged 65 and up, are more likely to experience problems with their eyesight, hearing, and balance. With these challenges, they are also more likely to fall victim to electrical shocks and burns. They may not be able to see an outlet plug, or hear a smoke detector, or feel the heat of a hot electrical appliance. Age-related eye diseases like macular degeneration, cataracts, and glaucoma, reduce their vision. Age-caused hearing loss makes it hard for them to hear a smoke alarm. Such balance disorders make it hard to maintain their balance and walk around their home safely.
Thus, Electricity is essential in modern life. We rely on it for everything. However, it is dangerous. Elderly people especially those aged 65 and more can be prone to electrical dangers because of weak eyesight, difficulties in mobility and ending fatigue, and so on. You must be careful before you consider electrical safety. For example, you must turn off the power before you work on any electrical appliance, even if it is switched off. You must also keep a fire extinguisher, a fire blanket, and a smoke detector in your house, especially in the kitchen. Thereby, everyone needs to protect their family, especially from the dangers of electricity.
Hacks/ Tricks for these elderly
Some hacks/ tips for these elderly are-
-
In Kitchen- switching off appliances after use
It is evident that every householder has a need for appliances to do various household chores. From an oven for cooking to iron for pressing clothes. And in every household, you have a need for these appliances. Moreover, we all have a basic knowledge of these appliances and their uses. However, one thing is often neglected and that is the need for switching off these appliances.
But think about this! What happens if these appliances are left on? There are only two reasons for this. Either we forget to switch them off or we don’t know how to switch them off! And in both cases, the result is the same. The unnecessary wastage of electricity may also cause shocks or fire in the house.
In addition to this, you must have heard, power outages are common in Metro cities. It is essential to switch off your appliances after use to protect them from dangers or threats. If you don’t, the next time there is a power outage, your appliances could become damaged due to overcurrent. It is a law to switch off your appliances after use.
2. There should be no wires or cables running under mats and rugs:
Along with safety, When it comes to your home, you want a space that is clean, comfortable, and safe for you and your family. You want to be able to relax, have fun, and feel at home. One way you can achieve this is by making sure that there are no unsightly wires or cables lying under your rugs and mats. Doing so is a quick and easy way to give your home a more polished, finished look. It also makes it so that you don’t have to worry about tripping over an errant power cord or frayed USB cable. With carpeting and rugs that are properly secured, you won’t have to worry about a mess of wires lying around and tripping you up when you walk across the room.
3. Looking for any burn marks on the blankets or any damage to the cable or plugs:
This section is about the challenges that elderly people face in their day-to-day life.
Elderly people have a lot of challenges to overcome in their day-to-day life. They are often faced with the challenge of not being able to do things for themselves and having to rely on other people for help. They are also faced with the challenge of having fewer opportunities for socializing, which can lead to loneliness and depression. The Elderly regularly need to check for burn marks on their regularly used blankets. Also, they need to make sure that any cable/cord doesn’t have damage as essentiality to protect from dangers.
4. Turning appliances off before you go to bed:
When you are about to go to bed and you have a lot of devices turned on, it is not easy to remember if you have turned off all of them. This is where the Smi-Fi comes in handy and is most preferable to protect from dangers.
The first thing that the smart plug does is turn off all of your devices when you are about to go to bed. It can also be set up so that it automatically turns off at a certain time every night. This will help save energy and money by reducing the amount of electricity used overnight, and also, protect from dangers. There are also other negative side effects of leaving appliances on when you go to bed. One of these side effects is that it can lead to an increased risk of fire and carbon monoxide poisoning.
Other things to keep in mind:
Electrical safety for the elderly is a very important topic. It can be confusing for them to understand the various types of electrical appliances, how to use them and how much electricity they need.
Firstly, it is important to ensure that the power points in your home are safe for an elderly person. The plugs should be placed at a height that is easy for an elderly person to reach and there should not be any sharp edges on the plug or socket to protect from dangers.
Secondly, it is important to teach them about the different types of plugs and sockets so that they can identify which one they need when buying electrical goods. They should also know where these sockets are located in their home so they can use them safely.
6. Avoiding improper lighting, and ensuring the installation of night lights for bathrooms, hallways, and toilets:
Lighting is an important aspect of the home. It’s not just about proper lighting, it’s also about the right light bulbs.
These are the best places to put night lights:
-Bathrooms,
-Hallways and
-Toilets.
7. Booking or calling only professional and trusted electricians:
The electrician will come to your place, assess the situation, and give you an estimate. If you are not sure how to go about it, book an appointment with a professional electrician to ensure maximum protection from dangers.
Practical Solution- Smi-Fi:
Here, one solution can be the installation of Smi-Fi. Smi-Fi is an energy assistant that is easy to use and ensures safety by providing regular updates on repair and maintenance needs.
EpVi’s SmiFi keeps safety as rule number one. Smi-Fi is suitable for the elderly as it does not require much knowledge to use the mobile application. This practical solution contributes to reducing risk and potential damage to houses and health. It offers voice command features like Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant, making it easier to use. For example, it provides instant updates/alerts on repair needs of an electrical heater or a notification when left unattended for a long.
In this Diwali season, Smi-Fi can be the one easy practical gift that is not only ideal but also, is an essential requirement for a house that has the elderly living in it.
Thus, Smi-Fi Makes regular life simple and easy with constant checks and quick tips. For senior citizens, who are struggling physically and emotionally, SmiFi becomes a unique friend/assistant that promises to take good care of them.
