Senior Safety and Crime Prevention Recommendations

The SPD has compiled the following educational information to assist senior residents in overall safety and crime prevention. SPD officers are also available to make presentations to groups upon request. To schedule a presentation, please email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Home:

• Complete a Home Security Check to insure your home is safe. Make a list of all valuables.
• Trim Bushes to insure that the bushes do not hide criminals as they attempt to break in your home.
• Install ramps or rails as needed to insure the safety of the resident.
• Call your local Police department and inform them if your loved one has memory problems. Ask for an address advisory that will inform Officers of the situation before they arrive.
• In stall alarm systems.
• Use gunlocks on guns. Guns locks are provided free of charge at the Fort Sanders Senior Center or Sevierville Police Department.
• Program ICE with emergency phone numbers.
• Check for dangers around the home. Can you get out in an emergency? Do you have more than one way out?
• Install fire alarms that have a light to help with escape.
• Do locks on windows and doors work?
• Put out dog warning signs or alarm signs. This will deter criminals.
• Are there dangers in the kitchen? If your medical condition prevents you from cooking, consider frozen meals.
• If your medical conditions prevent you from standing, install a shower seat in the tub and install a hand held showerhead.
• Take pictures of valuables and record serial numbers in case of a burglary.
• Get a phone with big buttons to insure 911 can be dialed quickly.
• Get a cell phone to help with mobility. (www. safelinkwireless.com)
• Don’t hide keys around the outside the house. Criminals use "hide a keys" to get into homes.
• Motion lights make you aware of movement around your house. Well-lit areas will deter criminals.
• Check mats in home to prevent falls.
• Put your address number on all three sides of mailbox to insure that emergency personal can find your home.
• Make sure address number on the house to insure that your home can be found in an emergency.
• Med-Ray or lifelines as options for seniors who could use daily calls to insure safety.
• 911 will still work even if the phone has been cut off. Insure that you have a phone hooked up on the phone line even though you may not have phone service. This will give you another option in an emergency. Cell phones also work without service.
• Do background checks on all caregivers. Be cautious about the helpful strangers.
• Keep medication out of sight of the windows.
• Don’t tell people what kind of medication you are on.
• Secure all scheduled drugs. Drop off old medication to the Sevierville Police Department
• Wear safety bracelets with medical information.
• Extension cords case fire risk if used after 90 days.
• Have flash out next to bed.
• If you hear noise outside, do not turn on lights.
• Keep doors locked and don’t let strangers in home.
• Ask salesman to show you their permit.

Neighborhood Safety:

• Always report suspicious activity to the Police Department 453-5507. You do not have to give name.
• Report crime when it is happening.
• If you see someone who is banned from the property on the property, call the Police!! They present a danger to you and your family.
• If you want your community police officer to know of activity in the area, call 868-1866.

Parking lot safety:

• Be aware of your surroundings
• Have keys in your hand when you walk towards your vehicle
• Always lock vehicle
• Keep valuables out of sight
• Park in a well lit area
• Don’t be distracted by talking on cell phone
• Have cell phone in hand
• Walk with pocketbook next to parked vehicles
• If someone is around your vehicle, go back in store
• Approach vehicle form behind
• Don’t lean your body into trunk

Financial Safety:

• Call the National and Tennessee do not call list and register by calling 1-877-TRA-7030and 1-888-382-1222.
• Cell Phone do not call list 1-888-382-1222.
• Opt out of credit card offers by calling 1-888-567-8688.
• Opt out of Publisher’s clearinghouses Sweepstakes by calling 1-800-645-9242.
• Opt out of American Family Sweepstakes by calling 1-800-237-2400.
• Remove your name from junk mail list by sending a letter to Direct Marketing Association, Mail Preference Service at PO Box 22 Carmel, NY 10512.
• Every time you fill out a warranty card, subscription, raffle, customer info card or credit card application include ” Please do not rent, sell, or trade my name or address”
• Don’t carry social security card or birth certificate with you.
• Shred all financial bills or personal information to insure that criminals don’t get your personal information.
• Never give out personal information over the phone or internet
• Don’t cash checks that you get in the mail from an unknown source
• Block Scams on computer
• Check Credit History once a year
• Don’t have new checks sent to the house, pick up at the bank
• Don’t send money to pay “lottery tax”

Signs of Driving Problems:

• Accidents or close calls
• Tickets or warnings for violation
• Falling asleep in traffic
• Getting lost on routine drives
• Hitting stationary objects
• Dents in vehicle
• Slower reaction time
• Feel confused by traffic signs
• For additional information, click here: age and driving

How people can drive safer:

• Drive same route
• Drive at slower time
• Drive in right lane
• Don’t drive during lunch or rush hour
• Get an auto club
• Exit at intersections when possible
• Don’t drive at night or bad weather
• Talk to doctors about medications that make you sleepy
• Get a Seniors on the Go Pass
• Follow at a greater distance
• Don’t use cell phone while driving
• Check for prescriptions interactions
• Always wear seat belts correctly
• Use an automatic transmission vehicle
• Remove distractions
• Keep doors locked
• Drive with head lights on
• Take an AARP class

What do you do if you suspect that a loved one is not driving safely?

• Ride with the loved one
• Check Medication
• Talk with doctor
• Get eyes checked
• Talk with Officers
• Sign up for AARP Class
• Talk with Senior about cost versus conveniences of driving (Senior transportation could be less expensive)

How do I ensure a caregiver will not abuse a loved one?

• Check References
• Require personal references
• Look for a nursing student
• Check background at Sevier County General Sessions 453-6116
• Have a TBI criminal background check at www.tn.gov for $29.00
• Check driving history on web site   Example: www.publicdata.com
• Check www.tbi.com for Elder Abuse Registry
• Check www.tn.gov for sex offender registry

Signs of Financial Abuse:

• Late bills
• Power, phone or water cut off
• High credit card bills
• Big decrease in savings account
• Missing property such as rings, TVs, bonds ext.
• Senior is being isolated
• Property being sold

Signs of Physical Abuse or Neglect:

• Bruises, cuts or burns
• Same clothing for several days
• No food or no food that the Senior can prepare
• Unclean sheets or home
• Senior not clean
• Senior is being isolated
• No water or Power
• Senior not getting medication

What do I do if I suspect abuse?

• Call your local police department and Adult Protection Agency
• Sevierville Police Department: 453-5507
• Sevier County Sheriff’s Department: 453-4668
• Pigeon Forge Police Department: 453-9063
• Gatlinburg Police Department: 436-5181
• Tennessee Adult Protection Agency: 1-888-277-8366

Available Resources

• Free cell phones for low income to us for emergencies   www. safelinkwireless.com
• Free gun locks at the Sevierville Police Department to secure weapons 453-5507
• Angel Food ministries: food packages that are economical www.angelfoodministries.com
• Seniors on the go: 453-8080
• ETHRA rides to doctor’s appointments. Must be scheduled in advance. 428-1795
• Senior Outreach Sevier:Volunteers will visit you at your house. They can bring library books and food from the food ministry.
• 5 wishes: A medical directive to tell doctor your wishes 453-8080 (Cost 1 dollar)