The Edmonds Fire Department (EFD) was dispatched to 115 calls in and around Edmonds the week of July 22-28, which brings this year’s call volume to 2,950. Aid crews responded to 78 calls; fire crews responded to 37 incidents.
Older adult driving
EFD recently published Stay in Step!, a brochure that outlines ways to reduce the older adult’s risk of falls and fall injuries. To receive a free copy of the brochure, please call 425-771-0215.
Many of the impairments that contribute to elderly falls also interfere with safe driving. Vision and hearing problems, physical disabilities, less muscle strength, slower reaction times, and prescribed medications that may make the driver dizzy, drowsy, or confused all impact the ability to maneuver a car.
On July 22 in an Edmonds parking lot, an elderly driver struck five other cars from multiple angles at low speed. Driver and passenger were uninjured.
Many senior drivers have recognized they face challenges on the road and have altered their driving habits. Rather than risk their safety and the safety of others, some drive only during daylight, avoid driving in bad weather, and choose routes less stressful than the freeway.
Your doctor can review your medical history and help you determine if it is safe for you to continue to drive.
Driver’s education classes for drivers over 50 can also assess and refresh driving skills. Stevens Hospital offers an AARP driver-safety program that helps develop safe defensive-driving techniques. For more information, call Stevens Hospital at 425-640-4000 or visit www.stevenshealthcare.org and click on “classes and events.”
Fire Response
On July 27, fire crews responded to a bark fire at the Edmonds Park and Ride. They found the fire smoldering with numerous cigarette butts and matches in the area — providing for the probable cause. Firefighters extinguished the fire with a booster line.
With continued dry and warm weather, please do not discard cigarettes and matches in beauty bark. It is a wood product that decomposes as it ages and is highly susceptible to igniting.
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