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Senior adult males talking

Seniors

HomeFire Services and Community SupportSeniors
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The City of Oshawa is a member of the Global Network for Age-Friendly Cities and Communities and recognizes our 55+ population represents a significant part of our community. Discover the ways Oshawa supports older adults living active, safe lives as they continue to participate fully in our community.

Programs, services, and support for seniors

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  • Side Boulevard Grass Cutting Assistance Program
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Fire safety

The best way to stay fire safe is to prevent fires from starting. Oshawa Fire Services and the Office of the Fire Marshal want to ensure all seniors are fire safe. With a few simple steps, older adults can dramatically reduce their risk of death and injury from fire, including:

Smoke safely

  • Be alert when smoking – Put a cigarette or cigar out at the first sign of feeling drowsy while watching television or reading.
  • Use large, sturdy ashtrays that will not tip over if you smoke inside. Empty ashtrays into a metal container, not a garbage can and keep it outside.
  • Do not extinguish cigarettes in plant pots, which may contain a mixture of peat moss, shredded wood and bark that can easily ignite.
  • Never smoke in bed.
  • Do not walk away from lit cigarettes and other smoking materials.
  • If you have children around the house, keep matches and lighters out of reach.

Cook safely

  • Always stay in the kitchen while cooking and turn off the stove if you must leave.
  • Have a proper-fitting pot lid handy to slide over the pot and turn off the stove if a pot catches fire.
  • Clear the stove area of items that might catch fire easily.
  • Use the back burners as much as possible; when using front burners, remember to turn the pot handles inward.
  • Avoid cooking while consuming alcohol or drugs.
  • Have a fire extinguisher nearby.
  • Never use the range or oven to heat your home.
  • Double-check the kitchen before you go to bed or leave the house.

Use Electricity Wisely

  • Toasters, coffeemakers and microwaves need to be plugged directly into an outlet.
  • If an extension cord is required, buy the correct gauge for the appliance and have a CSA or ULC approval mark on the label.

Clear the Clutter

  • Keep things that burn away from heat sources like stovetops, space heaters and electronic equipment.
  • Keep space heaters at least one metre away from bedding, furniture and curtains.

Working Smoke Alarms: It's the Law

  • Install smoke alarms on every storey and outside all sleeping areas.
  • For added protection, install a smoke alarm in each bedroom.
  • Test your smoke alarms monthly. If you rent, notify the landlord immediately if they are not working. Replace dead batteries.
  • Carbon monoxide alarms are required by law to be installed outside all sleeping areas.
  • Replace smoke and carbon monoxide alarms when they are 10 years old.
  • Check smoke alarms after an extended absence.
  • Never tamper with or disable a smoke alarm.

Have a plan

  • Develop and practise a home fire escape plan with everyone in your home.
  • Ensure all members of your household know two ways out of every room.
  • If you live in a high-rise building, familiarize yourself with the building's fire safety plan.
  • Call the fire department from a safe location outside if you discover a fire.

Candle safety

  • Keep candles in sturdy holders on level surfaces.
  • Always be sure to extinguish candles before leaving the room or going to bed.
  • Keep candles, matches and lighters out of reach of children.
  • Consider battery-operated candles as a safer alternative.

Health and wellness resources

  • Advocacy Centre for the Elderly
  • Alzheimer Society Durham
  • Community Care Durham
  • Durham Region Long Term Care
  • Government of Canada Programs and services for seniors
  • Government of Canada, Services for people with disabilities
  • Health Canada, Seniors Healthy Living
  • Lakeridge Health
  • Ontario Seniors' Information
  • Oshawa Public Libraries
  • Oshawa Senior Community Centres 55+

Other services

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Contact Us

© 2022 City of Oshawa

Service Oshawa
1st Floor, West Wing, City Hall
50 Centre St. S.
Oshawa, ON L1H 3Z7

Phone: 905-436-3311
Toll Free: 1-800-667-4292
Email: [email protected]

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