Educational program offers ‘scoop’ on security for seniors

CEDAR RAPIDS - In the interests of ensuring the safety and security of aging citizens, the Cedar Rapids Fire Department has launched a monthly program to share information to keep seniors safe.

The program, called Safety Scoop, deals with topics such as elder abuse, identity theft and the safe disposal of prescription medicines.

The program launched at the end of June and will be offered on the fourth Wednesday of every month until December at the Central Fire Station, 713 First Ave. SE.

The programs are free. No registration is required.

'I think right now, it's needed. There isn't a lot of presentations just for older adults to attend and learn from, from what I'm hearing,” said Julie Popelka, firefighter and paramedic who handles public education for the department.

Popelka, who started the program, led the June 28 session on fire and fall prevention, with about 10 people attending.

She talked about the dangers of smoking indoors and how good lighting in a home can prevent falls.

'When you live alone, you have to be aware of everything,” program attendee Charles Harvey, 83, of Cedar Rapids, said. 'I've always just tried to be aware of stuff.”

Other programs will be presented by the Cedar Rapids Police Department, AARP and the Heritage Area Agency on Aging.

Popelka, who is a member of the Cedar Rapids Elderly Consortium and the Linn County Triad, said she drew the presenters from the Triad. Eventually, she hopes to draw speakers from outside of the Triad for other presentations.

'What I really want is as a community to be able to work together,” Popelka said. 'I want it to be a community type of program, not just a Cedar Rapids Fire Department program. I want it to be a basis or a platform where we put out presentations from throughout the city.”

The Safety Scoop program is slated to continue into next year.

At each session, Popelka said, those attending will hear a presentation from the fire department to help them better understand the department's role, such as when firefighters can be called for assistance.

Participants also can tour the Central Fire Station and have the option to sign up for a home safety check by a firefighter.

'If you look at our population, you have a lot of baby boomers on up that are getting older and retiring,” Popelka said. 'Our department cares about our community and wants to reach out to that entity because it is a growing population.”

l Comments: (319) 368-8536; michaela.ramm@thegazette.com