Welcome to Westwood Neighborhood Association Community Hub
Aging-In-Place
I recently received this link to Caring.com. It features information about keeping seniors in their own homes and ways to be sure they are safe and happy.
Here is the resource for your reference: https://www.caring.com/caregivers/guide-to-home-security-for-aging-in-place/
Another source is Milepost Senior Services. (Click Here)
Identifying a Stroke
This isn't my story but these seem to be
Good tips for recognizing a stroke!
SIGN OF A STROKE:
Carla tripped and fell during grilling. I offered to call an ambulance, but she assured everyone she was okay and only tripped over her new shoes. She was a little pale and wobbly; she was helped to clean up and was brought another plate of food. Carla spent the rest of the evening happy and joyful.
Carla's husband later called to say his wife had been taken to the hospital. Carla died at 11pm that night. She had a stroke while grilling. If her friends knew how to interpret the signs of a stroke, Carla might still be alive today. Some people don't die right away. They often stay in a desperate situation.
It only takes 1 minute to read the following... A neurologist said that if he can intervene on a stroke victim within 3 hours, he could reverse the effects. He said the trick would be to recognize a stroke, to diagnose and treat patients within 3 hours, but that's not easy.
Recognizing a stroke: there are four stages to recognize a stroke.
-Ask the person to smile (they won't).
-Ask the person to pronounce a simple sentence (for example: "It's very nice today. ").
-Ask the person to raise both arms (she can’t or only partially).
-Asking the person to stick out their tongue (if the tongue is crooked, twist left and right, is also a sign of a stroke. )
If he or she has problems with one of these steps, call an ambulance immediately and describe the person's symptoms over the phone. A cardiologist said that if as many people as possible become aware of this, we can be certain that any life — maybe even our own — can be saved. We send a lot of “garbage” every day through the network, but sometimes you can get stuck with something significant, like this.
If it's this important to you... copy so it can reach more people who might change the fate of those affected by stroke...
Common Heart Attack Signs
Nichols Road
1940's Speed Limit Law Has Been Changed
The 1940's law that establishes how speed limits are set uses the traffic data from only the most perfect section of the road reviewed - on Nichols road, that's the nice flat, straight section near the fire station. Whatever speed cars travel through that section is the data that sets the limit for the whole road!
Your neighborhood association will be re-forming a safety group focused on Nichols Road this summer so we can see if there's anything we can do to calm traffic and increase pedestrian safety along this heavily traveled street.
Interested? Contact us.
Thank you.
Nichols Road Concerns
Many residents have expressed concerns about Nichols Road and the "lines" that took all year to get completed - the results were less than expected. As one can see, the “Bike Lanes” are not done in a safe manner, and the minimal cross walk at the school has faded to almost nothing, already. Also, the new “walkway” between Grand Prairie and Ravine is not as we were told it would be and is dangerous to walkers as well as bicycle riders. The other item is the increased speed limit. The Charter Township was never contacted by the Road Commission of Kalamazoo County prior to the speed study being done – that is step one of the process. Dexter Mitchell, Charter Township of Kalamazoo Manager, prepared a petition and together we collected over 400 signatures and the petition has been sent to the Michigan State Police to review and open a discussion on the situation.
See Something - Say Something
The Police Need Your Eyes & Ears
See Something going on that shouldn't happening, Say Something!
269-488-8911 is the non-emergency phone for the county's five police agencies.
People And Stop Signs
It seems like these red signs are ignored by more and more drivers.
Do you have any ideas how we can change this bad habit?
more safety tips
Using The ATM
Lock Your Doors At Home
Using The ATM
Try to plan your visits to the automatic teller during the day, rather than after dark.
Choose an ATM location that is in a busy public place.
When visiting a drive-through ATM, keep your doors locked and be prepared to drive away quickly. If anyone approaches your car on foot, roll up your window and drive off.
Pre-plan your transaction car
Try to plan your visits to the automatic teller during the day, rather than after dark.
Choose an ATM location that is in a busy public place.
When visiting a drive-through ATM, keep your doors locked and be prepared to drive away quickly. If anyone approaches your car on foot, roll up your window and drive off.
Pre-plan your transaction carefully, and don't spend too much time at the machine.
When you make a withdrawal, quickly place the money in your purse or wallet and leave as soon as you finish.
Watch out for suspicious-looking people waiting around an ATM - they may not really be customers. If someone offers to let you go ahead of them, decline politely and leave.
If you have not finished your transaction and you are approached by a suspicious character, press the CANCEL button, receive your card, and leave quickly.
Lock Your Car
Lock Your Doors At Home
Using The ATM
Always lock your car and take the keys, even if you'll only be gone a short time.
Lock doors when driving.
If your car breaks down, raise the hood and place emergency reflectors or flares. Then stay in the locked car. When someone stops to help, don't get out. Ask him or her (through a closed or cracked window) to telephone the police to co
Always lock your car and take the keys, even if you'll only be gone a short time.
Lock doors when driving.
If your car breaks down, raise the hood and place emergency reflectors or flares. Then stay in the locked car. When someone stops to help, don't get out. Ask him or her (through a closed or cracked window) to telephone the police to come and help.
If you're coming or going after dark, park in a well-lit area that will still be well-lit when you return.
Never pick up hitchhikers.
Control you keys. Never leave an identification tag on your key ring. If your keys are lost or stolen, it could help a thief locate your car and burglarize your home.
If carrying packages or valuable items, store them in your trunk. If you do leave packages, clothing, or other articles in the car, make sure they are out of sight.
Keep the following information in a safe location: Year, Make, Model, Color, VIN, License #, Identifying Marks, Insurance Co., and policy.
And remember, Nearly half of the vehicle thefts the drive left the keys in the car, in the ignition and/or left the car unlocked. Never leave a running car unattended. Lock your car and/or park in a garage with the door closed and locked. Never leave valuables or packages in your car - it is too tempting.
Lock Your Doors At Home
Lock Your Doors At Home
Lock Your Doors At Home
Make sure that ALL doors to the outside are metal or solid, 1 3/4" hardwood and ALL have good, sturdy locks.
Use the locks you have. Always lock up your home when you go out, even if it's only for a few minutes.
Secure sliding glass doors with commercially available bars or locks, or put a wooden dowel or broomstick in the door track.
Make s
Make sure that ALL doors to the outside are metal or solid, 1 3/4" hardwood and ALL have good, sturdy locks.
Use the locks you have. Always lock up your home when you go out, even if it's only for a few minutes.
Secure sliding glass doors with commercially available bars or locks, or put a wooden dowel or broomstick in the door track.
Make sure your windows, especially at ground level, have good locks, and use them.
Make sure all porches and other possible entrances are well-lit.
Don't hide your house keys under the doormat or in a flowerpot. It's much wiser to give an extra key to a trusted neighbor.
Keep written records of all furniture, jewelry, and electronic products. If possible, keep these records in a safe deposit box, fireproof safe, or other secure place. Take pictures or a video, and keep purchase information and serial numbers if available. These help law enforcement agencies track recovered items.
Clearly display your house number, so police and other emergency vehicles can find your home quickly. (This is so important, it is required by Kalamazoo Township Ordinance.)
If you see a screen that has been cut, broken windows, or a door that's been left open, don't go in. Call the police from a safe location.
If you hear a noise that sounds like someone breaking in or moving around, quietly call the police. If you can leave safely, do so. Otherwise, lock yourself in the room you are in and keep quiet.
Think carefully before buying a firearm for protection. Guns can be captured and used on you or the police, or they can be stolen and sold to anyone. In fact, firearms are so sought after that someone could break into your home for the sole intent of stealing a gun. If you do own a gun, keep it locked up, with the ammunition secured separately, and learn how to use it safely
Sidewalks
Sidewalks in poor shape
If you walk your neighborhood, you probably encounter sidewalks that are not safe to walk on - tree-roots have raised many sections as well as other sections have not held up and are cracked and broken.
Township Sidewalk Plan
Link to Township's report on sidewalks.
Sidewalks don't reach the streets
For years, because of codes, sidewalks on corner lots couldn't go to the street - just like you were not to extend your concrete drive to the street and had to use blacktop or gravel.
Now with ADA guidelines, these sidewalks are being connected to streets with the special "rumble strips" to assist the sight-challenged or those who become distracted.