Safety

File of Life – is a card which lists your vital medical information to assist emergency response personnel. The card fits inside a magnetic pouch, which is placed on the refrigerator door for immediate access. A pocket size card is also provided. The card accompanies you to the hospital. Available for $1.00 at the township office.

Home Safety Inspection – trained professionals from local police and fire departments inspect your home and recommend simple guidelines for safety and security. You will be advised of steps you can take to reduce the risks of burglaries, fires or injuries due to falls. Also provided are referrals for low cost maintenance professionals. To request an inspection call the township at (630) 719-6682.

Visor Cards – are available for drivers who are deaf or hard of hearing. These cards are used to alert traffic officers about a possible communication problem and are available at the township office.

Guardian Program – registered seniors receive a computerized phone call which checks on their well-being at a prearranged time. If you fail to respond, help is summoned to your home. For more information, call the DuPage County Sheriff’s office at (630) 407-2400.

Free 911 Emergency Cell Phones – are programmed to dial 911 in an emergency. These phones cannot make or receive other outside calls. Provided to senior citizens by some police departments. For more information, call the DuPage County Sheriff’s office (630) 407-2317 or the Downers Grove Police Department, Sgt. Joe Karmia at (630) 434-5600. Learn more about Free 911 Emergency Cell Phones.

Personal Response Devices – are designed to summon help in an emergency by pressing a “button” on a pendant which you wear. This causes the telephone to dial an emergency number. Services may also include medication reminders and motion sensors. Companies that offer this service include:

• Lifeline – (800) 543-3546 ext. 3050 – www.lifelinesystem.com

• American Medical Alert Company – (800) 770-5355 – www.amac.com

• ADT Home Heatlh Security – (630) 458-7746 – www.adt.com

Disaster in DuPage? – The likelihood that you and your family will recover from an emergency tomorrow often depends on the planning and preparation done today.  Although we live in a safe place, we are still susceptible to hazards such as floods, power outages, winter storms and tornados.  Find out more about how to prepare by going to www.ready.gov.

SPARR – (Sheriff’s Program for At-Risk Residents) is provided by the DuPage County Sheriff’s office. SPARR stores personal information and a photograph of registered persons at the Sheriff’s office. The participant wears a bracelet that has a SPARR number imprinted on it. This provides rescuers with immediate access to information. Contact the sheriff’s office at (630) 407-2400 – www.dupageco.org/sheriff.

Mediacal Medic Alert + Safe Return Program – is provided by the Alzheimer’s Association. It provides a bracelet or necklace, clothing labels, and a wallet ID card, for a small fee. For more information call (800) 272-3900 for TTY (866) 403-3073 or email info@alz.org.

ICE (In Case of Emergency) – is a program that enables emergency personnel to contact a family member or close friend immediately. All you need to do is enter the name of your emergency contact(s) in your cell phone address book under the name “ICE”. You can list multiple emergency contacts as “ICE1″, “ICE2″, etc. IMPORTANT – in an emergency dial 911.

Home Modifications – tools and assistive devices. The Illinois Assistive Technology Project has information and referrals about tools and assistive devices, which may improve mobility and independence. For more information call (800) 852-5110 V/TTY.

Minor Home Modifications – such as installation of grab bars, hand rails, or smoke detectors at affordable prices are provided by the DuPage Senior Citizens Council Home Maintenance Program. Also offered is a referral list of insured contractors, call (630) 620-9794.

Break the Silence about Elder Abuse – Elder abuse is a serious and common reality for older adults. Victims are often isolated, socially or financially dependent on the abuser, fearful of retribution or embarrassed. Elder abuse can take many forms of mistreatment including physical, sexual, psychological, financial, as well as neglect. If you know of an older person who may be a victim of abuse please contact DuPage County Senior Citizens Services at (800) 942-9412. All calls are confidential. If the person is in immediate danger dial 911.

R911 Guardian Program – is a computerized telephone calling system used by the Sheriff’s office to check on the well being of older persons. Call (630) 407-2400, for more information.

SALT Council (Senior & Lawman Together) – a consortium of the Township, Law Enforcement and Fire Protection agencies, as well as other civic organizations for the purpose of educating seniors about safety and crime protection.