Security2020.net Blog

It's below freezing outside as I write this, so one could assume I wanted to look at a nice sunny pool setting to warm my toes. One would be correct, but this message is important and it doesn't have to be warm to think about pool safety for your children.

In most cases, pool owners start by putting up a fence to prevent uncontrolled access from their yard. When small children or non-swimmers are in the mix, an extra step might be to further protect the area immediately around the pool with smaller fences, gates or other temporary devices. This is a great start. Children however, are clever and pretty darn good at navigating through and around these barriers if given enough time.

Loading mentions Retweet

One of the goals this year for the Security2020.net blog is to provide more information with real world applications of our products and how they can increase the safety and security of your loved ones. We have several ideas that we will publish this year, but an incident here this week made it clear to us which application to discuss first. One of our employees had a relative diagnosed with Alzheimer's this week following a wandering incident at her home. One of our long time products is already in use around the world as an Alzheimer's Wandering Alarm (the VA6000 6 Wireless System) either by itself or using the sensors with the Text Alert for notifications via cell phone.  By using various motion sensors, the caregiver can be alerted when their loved one is wandering.

Experienced caregivers are all too familiar with wandering, but many newly diagnosed patients and families may not be aware of what to do to help ensure the safety of your loved one. A great resource is this article on the Mayo Clinic website. We've highlighted a few key safety tips from the article here:

1. Remove tripping hazards such as throw rugs and extension cords. Install night lights to aid nighttime wanderers and put gates at stairwells to prevent falls.
2. If wandering isn't associated with distress or a physical need, you may want to focus simply on providing a safe place for walking or exploration. This could be a path through the rooms of your house or a trail through a fenced backyard. Some nursing homes have circular routes where wanderers can travel to their hearts' content.
3. A variety of devices can alert you that your loved one is on the move. Pressure-sensitive alarm mats can be placed at the door or at your loved one's bedside. Warning bells can be used on doors. Childproof covers on doorknobs also are helpful. Many people also install sliding bolt locks up high on doors, out of the average person's line of sight.
4. Doors to off-limits rooms pose a different problem. Camouflaging a door with paint or wallpaper to match the surrounding wall may short-circuit a compulsion to wander into such rooms. Curtains over the door might also work. A mirror on or near the door stops some wanderers. Sometimes a stop sign on a door is enough.

Also from the Mayo article:

The Alzheimer's Association's Safe Return program is designed to help identify people who wander and return them to their caregivers. For a modest fee, you receive:

• An identification bracelet
• Name labels for clothing
• Identification cards for wallet or purse
• Registration in a national database with emergency contact information
• A 24-hour toll-free number to report someone who is lost

You can register someone by filling out a form online at the Alzheimer's Association's Web page or by calling 888-572-8566.

Additional Alzheimer's Resources:

• Mayo Clinic
• Alzheimer's Association
• The Fisher Center for Alzheimer's Research Foundation

Loading mentions Retweet

Another relevant holiday security post from across the globe.

Loading mentions Retweet

Let's face it. Not every dog can be a guard dog. Look at this poor guy. Is this the look of a dog that would strike fear into the heart of an intruder? Not likely. But don't fret, Rex Plus The Electronic Watch Dog is here to help. While Fluffy and your family are snuggled in your beds, Rex is in the trenches protecting your home or business. What does Rex need in return? A walk or a pat on the head? No, leave that to Fluffy.

Loading mentions Retweet