Home is where the hazard is

As more and more multi-unit senior living facilities are being built, more and more seniors are moving into these apartment buildings.

They no longer have to worry about cleaning furnaces and flues, keeping sidewalks and driveways clear and clearing pathways of children’s toys.

But there still are plenty of chores to be done to make sure they’re prepared for an emergency.

To start with, they need a list of emergency numbers — 911, doctor, family members — right by their phone.

And a flashlight. Better still, they should have night lights plugged all through the residence so they don’t have to fumble and stumble — and fall — in the dark.

They’ve probably been instructed to stay in their apartment if the alarm goes off because the apartment is fireproof, but what about a fire that starts in the kitchen or living room? Is there a fire extinguisher handy?

They should get rid of those scatter rugs that can trip them up and see to it the floor is not slippery. There should be a handrail to hold themselves up when they step out of the bathtub or shower onto a tiled bathroom floor. Do the bathtub and shower have non-skid surfaces?

They should move their toaster away from the coffee

Update cash beneficiaries

The individuals or institutions benefiting in your will might not benefit from your bank, mutual-fund and brokerage accounts if they aren’t named on them, too.

If the information on those is out of date, the wrong people may inherit the money if the beneficiaries and co-signers on those accounts differ.

Check all your accounts to make sure the proper beneficiaries are listed with their Social Security numbers, addresses and dates of birth. Make sure their contact information also is up to date.

Mature Life Features Copyright 2023 maker and keep all appliances away from each other to avoid disastrous sparks and spills. Unplug them when they’re not in use.

They might get some handy electrical outlet covers to shield those outlets when they aren’t being used.

They should always be looking around for possible hazards. Perils are always lurking.

When they light candles for a quiet anniversary dinner, for example, they should make sure there are no curtains nearby to catch fire.

Mature Life Features Copyright 2023

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Mishawaka-Penn-Harris Public Library offers programs for adults

Below is the MPHPL April calendar of events for adults. All reservations for in-person or Zoom attendance may be secured by calling (574) 2595277 or visiting mphpl.org.

In The Community Events

“Chicory Cafe Book Club,” 10-11 a.m. Saturday, April 1. A monthly book club continues at the Chicory Café, Mishawaka. Adults are welcome to join the club and discuss the book of the month. The April book, “The Taste of Salt” by Martha Southgate, can be picked up in advance at the front desk of the Mishawaka Library.

Bittersweet Branch Events

“DIY at Dusk: Soap Making,” 5:30-6:30 p.m. Monday, April 10. Participants will be able to walk out of this event with the soap they make.

“Yak, Snack and Read: Hybrid Book Club,” 1-2 p.m. Tuesday, April 11. The April book, “The Library Book” by Susan Orlean, can be picked up in advance at the front desk.

“Earth Day Clean Up at the Library,” 10:30-11:30 a.m. Saturday, April 22. Lend a hand to the library and join MPHPL for a morning of light outdoor yard work and clean up the courtyard at the Bittersweet Branch. Volunteer hours will be provided upon request. Light refreshments will be served.

Harris Branch Events

The Harris Branch is undergoing construction. Currently, the Harris Branch is browseand-borrow-only until further notice and no events are scheduled due to construction. Hours of operation at the Harris Branch remain the same. Additional updates, if needed, will be provided online at mphpl.org.

Mishawaka Library Events

“American Heritage Spotlight,” 6:30-7:30 p.m. Tuesday, April 11. Speaker David Eisen will present “Newspaper Stories Through the Years.” He is the former director of the library.

“Delectable Lit,” 5:30-7 p.m. Thursday, April 13. This is a unique book and baking club. April’s book is “The Alchemist” by Paulo Coelho.

“Puzzle Tournament,” 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Saturday, April 15. Grab some friends to see just how fast you can put together a jigsaw puzzle. Each team of puzzlers will be given the same 500-piece puzzle to complete. The first team to finish their puzzle will win a small prize.

“Make with Us: Quiet Books,” 10:30-11:30 a.m. Monday, April 17.

“Mug ‘n’ Muffin Monthly

Hybrid Book Club,” 10:15-11 a.m. Thursday, April 20. This month’s title is “The Daughter of Time” by Josephine Tey.

“Cooking Classics: Five or Fewer Ingredients,” 4:30-5:30 p.m. Tuesday, April 25.

“The People Next Door: Witnessing the Holocaust,” 5-7 p.m. Thursday, April 27. Learn more at peoplenextdoor.org.

Zoom Only Events

“Take a Trip to South Africa on Zoom,” 6:30-7:30 p.m. Tuesday, April 4.

“Virtual Jelly Bean Tasting,” 6:30-7:30 p.m. Thursday, April 6. Details on when and where to pick up program supplies will be emailed to registrants.

“Virtual National Parks Tour,” 6-7 p.m. Tuesday, April 18.

“Virtual Craft Hour: Origami Bookmarks,” 10:30-11:30 a.m. Friday, April 21. Details on when and where to pick up program supplies will be emailed to registrants.

“Autism 101 with Lighthouse Autism Center,” 6-7 p.m. Tuesday, April 25. A master level board-certified behavior analyst from Lighthouse Autism Center will provide basic information about autism spectrum disorder, including early signs of ASD, advice for appropriate interactions and de-escalation techniques. Plenty of time will be allocated for answering questions.

“Snack Attack: Chips and Dip,” 10:30-11:15 a.m. Friday, April 28.

Registration is required for most programs.

On Friday, April 14, Mishawaka Library and the Harris Branch are closed all day for staff training. The Bittersweet Branch is always closed Friday.