Veronika Wild

    Prevention As Secretary -General of the UN, Antonio Guterres says,  “A little understanding of the economic losses from extreme weather events can help to generate greater action on Climate Change and increased ambition on reducing greenhouse gases.”       Unfortunately it seems that most communities are too busy recovering from the last disaster to think much about preventing the next.  It is also true that even if we were to stop creating emissions today, the inbuilt momentum of those already in the atmosphere will mean that we will continue to bear the consequences for a very long time. While much of the UN’s focus is now on providing early warning systems in as many regions as possible by 2030, this must be accompanied by disaster mitigation and preparation. National Responses The EU has a central pool of experts and agencies to not only deal with its own emergencies and those of its neighbours, but also for deployment in less develop...

  Keeping safe at home   I have cobbled these tips together from a number of sources – my local Ambulance Service, Police and Fire Department , the various organisations such as Age UK and America’s AARP, so please check their websites for more. Preventing Injury   We’ve already talked a bit about structural changes to our homes such as adding ramps and railings (Housing), making sure our streets are safer and pavements aren’t full of holes and trip hazards   (Mobility and Transport} ), and having level access, non -slip   surfaces and good lighting. Below are some more ways to prevent falls, one of the most common reasons for hospital admission among older people. While most of this is common sense for everyone, it is particularly important for the elderly because older bones are more easily broken and take much longer to heal.Our Senior Centre often has strength and balance training sessions which help to reduce the risk of falls, the U...