PARKS & REC Summertime Vibes

PARKS & REC important contacts Summertime Vibes for seniors

by Matt Light We’ve finally made it through the long winter and made our way back into the warmth with longer days and sunshine. It’s important to remember to enjoy the time we have during these months and pursue experiences or goals that help our overall state of mind and body. While enjoying the summer months we also must keep a clear mindset towards emergency preparedness too and not become too complacent. The current economic situation has continued to decline and we’ve had some new hurdles to overcome with increasing gas prices, food prices, and baby formula. We’ve also seen some environmental issues like wildfires in counties not far from us. Summertime is the best time to start thinking about what the future might hold and what steps we will take in order to be more prepared going into this fall/winter seasons.

As always before we start getting into the hotter days of this summer we should be following up on regular scheduled maintenance and testing of equipment like air conditioning systems, yard equipment, vehicles, and household appliances. Also think about potential environmental impacts like wildfires, flooding or dangerous trees around your home. Severe storms can occur with major rainfall and high winds which could lead to expensive household repairs. Also with the recent storm that swept through our area just yesterday with a potential for a tornado made it clear that having an emergency plan for this scenario would be beneficial to your family. Below are a few ideas or items to consider while updating or creating your emergency action or preparedness plans.

From the Pike County Area Agency on Aging

MEDICARE PLANS AVAILABLE

www.medicare.gov Call APPRISE at 800-783-7067 Call Medicare at 800-633-4227 or 877-486-248 (TTY) Or call us at 570-775-5550 for appt. to assist you.

Environmental Threats

PIKE COUNTY TRANSPORTATION

Hours 7:30am-4:00pm 570-296-3408 or 866-681-4947

DO NOT CALL REGISTRY

If you want to stop those nagging calls from solicitors you can place your phone number on the Do Not Call registry by calling 888-382-1222 or go online to www. donotcall.gov

SENIOR LAW CENTER

Senior Law Center protects the legal rights & interests of seniors in PA through legal services, referral services and advocacy. Call their helpline at 877-727-7529

PIKE COUNTY AREA AGENCY ON AGING

Blooming Grove - 570-775-5550 Hours: Mon-Fri 8am-4pm Dingmans Center - 570-828-7812 Hours: Tues & Fri 9am-3pm Lackawaxen/Shohola - 570-685-7808 Hours: Mon, Wed, Thurs 9am-2pm Milford - 570-832-1929 Hours: Wed & Fri 1am-3pm

• Scan your property to find any dead or diseased trees that could damage the house during heavy storms • Have you cleaned your gutters cleaned or have water runoffs cleared to prevent flooding • Are there sources of ignition (dead and dry branches/bushes) around the house or property that may start or help a wildfire? • Air Conditioning is great, but if it fails during peak season; do you have an emergency backup window unit?

Recreational Activities

• Always stay Hydrated! Make sure to drink water or pack enough water while being outside in the heat! Take regular breaks and know the signs of heat stroke. This is very important and I cannot stress it enough. • Be mindful of ticks and wildlife. Wear proper repellant for insects, carry a first aid kit with methods to treat poison ivy and have an emergency plan if something happens while out on the trail.

Economic Issues

• Continue to keep a supply of food. With the rising gas prices or potential shortages on diesel, food shortages may occur. • Plant a garden to help offset produce costs and learn how to store vegetables.