SERVICES TO SENIORS COMMITTEE

The Services to Seniors Committee Meeting was held on December 12, 2006 at 1:05 p.m. with Co-Chairs Russell and Slavin presiding. Members present were Mr. Hicks, Mr. Hare, Ms. Johnson, Ms. Massey, Dr. Mathews, Ms. Pohlmann, Mr. Snaman, Mr. McNulty, Mr. Stephens, and Mr. Truitt.

Agenda Additions/Deletions

Dr. Matthews moved for approval of the agenda, seconded by Ms. Massey and unanimously carried.

Approval of Minutes - November 28, 2006

Mr. Hicks moved for approval of the Minutes of the Regular Services to Seniors Committee Meeting of November 28, 2006, seconded by Ms. Pohlmann and unanimously carried.

Discussion of Public Safety - Services to Seniors

Captain Cindy Grygo, Administrative Officer, Emergency Medical Services, Kent County Emergency Management Services (KCEMS), informed members that the Department of Public Safety consists of three divisions, as follows: Emergency Management, Emergency Communications, and Paramedics.

The Emergency Communications Division primarily dispatches calls from residents to the Paramedics. They also provide refrigerator cards, which contain instructions and pertinent information that any health care provider will need, and offers services to seniors who cannot answer the door. They dispatch Paramedics to a residence and seniors give them permission to enter their home with a key placed outside the residence.

Mr. Allen Metheny, Assistant Director of Emergency Management, KCEMS, informed members that the State of Delaware provides a two tiered ambulance service. The first is basic life support, which the City of Dover provides through Prime Care. Advanced life support is provided through the Paramedics of KCEMS. The KCEMS Paramedics do not respond to minor cases.

KCEMS has developed plans for all types of emergency events that could occur in the county, including snow storms, ice storms, hurricanes, and terrorist events. Shelters are also opened in the City and are operated by the Red Cross in emergency situations. Mr. Metheny stated that education and the availability of information are important for seniors. KCEMS has various handouts and displays that provide information on what to do in case of severe weather .

Responding to Mr. Hicks, Mr. Metheny indicated that door-to-door notification or public address systems can be utilized as alternative methods of notification. Responding to Dr. Matthews, Mr. Metheny stated that residents would be encouraged to listen to local radio and televison stations in the event of a severe disaster. Dr. Matthews indicated that the committee should encourage seniors to have a battery powered radio.

Mr. Slavin stated that DEMA (Delaware Emergency Management Agency) provides a workshop on personal safety plans and the City could sponsor the workshops throughout the year.

Mr. Metheny advised members that there is a citizen response team at Delaware State University that will provide personal safety presentations as well. This group consists of students who are primarily majoring in the public safety field.

Mr. Slavin stated that there is a need for better public education on emergency services. He suggested that topics could be inserted into the monthly utility bills. This would also be helpful for residents who are new to the area.

Mr. Slavin informed members that Wild Meadows has implemented a program where the residents use flasher lights to alert emergency services. Mr. Hare stated that some of the residents in Planters Run have accidentally turned the flashers on by mistake. Mr. David Truax, City of Dover Fire Marshal, informed members that the flasher program at Wild Meadows is designed to show the exact location of your house in case of an emergency. This is very helpful when trying to locate a residence. He noted that the committee, as well as his office, may want to pursue grant money to purchase the flasher bulbs for seniors at a reduced rate. Mr. Truax stated that there is a radio-controlled bulb available as well. This will assist seniors in case they have fallen and can’t get up. Mr. Slavin requested Mr. Truax to gather cost and availability information on the flasher bulbs.

Captain Grygo suggested it is very important to have the correct address on the house and mailbox to aid paramedics when responding to a call. She also informed members that KCEMS personnel can give presentations regarding pubic safety on an as needed basis.

Mr. Truax stated that the Fire Marshal’s Office uses a three layered approach which includes code enforcement, suppression, and investigation. Their office provides fire education classes for adults, which include topics on how to handle a cooking fire and how to properly use electric and kerosene heaters. They also provide basic education on smoke detectors. Mr. Truax stated that the Robbins Hose Fire Company handles the free distribution of smoke detectors. If there are any smoke detectors left, they usually make them available to all residents of the City. The Fire Marshal’s office is currently working with the Modern Maturity Center and Luther Towers to provide fire safety workshops for seniors.

Pfc. Michael Harmon of the Dover Police Department stated that the Community Policing Section of the Special Enforcement Unit is committed to helping seniors and the community. This Section offers personal safety programs and covers topics such as keeping your home safe, crimes on the street, and safety area in the car. The Community Policing Section provides in-home inspections, in addition to a holiday safety program. Pfc. Harmon stated that they have a partnership with the Modern Maturity Center and have conducted various programs at the Modern Maturity Center and other senior establishments, at their request. Lt. Paul Bernat, Special Enforcement Unit Commander, informed members that they are in partnership with the Modern Maturity Center’s “R U OK” Program. The “R U OK” Program is an automated program that calls residents to make sure they are ok. If there is no answer, the police will respond and visit the residence. Those interested in registering for the program need to do so at the Modern Maturity Center.

Officer Harmon informed members that seven (7) officers are currently assigned to the Quality of Life Task Force. They manage sex offender registration and are responsible for sweeps. Lt. Bernat stated that the Quality of Life Unit also handles ongoing complaints and those that are classified as nuisances. They attend community meetings, as well as neighborhood watch meetings. Residents give the officers information about what is going on in the community and the officers work with the residents to resolve any problems or issues. Pfc. Benjamin Marvel indicated that the Quality of Life Unit provides a free, 109-point home safety inspection to residents and businesses within the City limits. The inspection covers things such as locks, shrubbery, landscaping, outdoor lighting, and handicap access.

Ms. Russell indicated she would like the committee to coordinate a Senior Fun Day in the near future.

Next Meeting Dates and Times, Meeting Format, Etc.

The next meeting has been scheduled for January 9, 2007 at 1:00 p.m. at the City of Dover Library. Representatives from the City of Dover Library and Parks and Recreation Department will be invited to present the services they offer to seniors.

Meeting Adjourned at 2:10 P.M.

                                                                                    Respectfully submitted,

                                                                                    Sophia R. Russell and Timothy A. Slavin

                                                                                    Co-Chairs

SR/TAS/hf

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