Somerset County Triad
 
TRIAD meets monthly and is always seeking volunteer members from local law enforcement and older residents from communities throughout Somerset County.

    The public is welcome. All meetings will be held at the Somerset Senior Center located at 1338 South Edgewood Avenue in Somerset.  Tentative schedule of meetings for 2007 ...
April 18 - 8:30 A.M. May 16 - 8:30 A.M. June 20 - 8:30 A.M.
July 18 - 8:30 August 15 - 8:30 September 19 - 8:30
October 17 - 8:30 November 21 - 8:30 To be announced
 
What is Triad?

TRIAD is a partnership between the Sheriff's Office, the Police Chiefs of Somerset County and Senior Citizens.
What is the Purpose of TRIAD?

The purpose of this partnership is to improve the health and welfare of the senior population in a county that is more than 80% rural. The Area Agency on Aging of Somerset joined a national movement in 1995. This program focuses on the safety and well being of neighborhoods.

TRIAD members present programs for seniors in Senior Community Centers, private senior citizen clubs, and congregate housing throughout Somerset County. The purpose of presenting these programs is alert seniors on scams and fraud as this population is a likely target of the scam artist. 
Personal File of Life has Arrived! Pick One Up Today!
 
Junk Mail

To receive less advertising mail and to request that your name be removed from many national direct mailing lists, send your name & address in writing to:
Mail Preference Service

c/o Direct Marketing Association
P.O. Box 9008, Farmingdale, NY 11735
Telephone Preference Service

c/o Direct Marketing Association
P.O. Box 9014, Farmingdale, NY 11735
What is the File of Life Program?

The File of Life program was initiated by TRIAD to help elderly residents of Somerset County.  The File of Life cards, which have a magnetized strip on the back, are attached to the outside of the refrigerator.  A decal will be provided for entrance doors.  This alerts emergency medical personnel, law enforcement, and hospital staff that vital information is available if a senior is found unable to communicate coherently. These cards contain potential life-saving information, including medications and mini-medical history.
How Can I Get a File of Life?

Ambulance Associations, Fire and Police Departments of Somerset County, emergency personnel, Somerset County Senior Centers, and both Somerset and Windber locations of the Area Agency on Aging of Somerset County are able to give you a File of Life upon request.
You could request one by mail also by calling 814-443-2681 or 800-452-0825 or send an e-mail to the webmaster by clicking here.
Help is Needed to Accomplish Our Mission

TRIAD also has a link that was designed by a senior citizen on the Somerset County website.
Sheriff's Corner

Ah! Somerset County in the summertime!  Hope everyone is enjoying our beautiful weather and the many activities going on throughout the county.

IMPORTANT FACTS TO REMEMBER:

1. For home improvements and repairs, try to use local contractors.
2. If you can't find one contact the Area Agency on Aging at 814-443-2681 or 1-800-452-0825.
3. Also please keep drugs, checks, cash, and credit cards in a safe place and out of sight from anyone coming into your home.  This is also a good habit to get into especially if you have grandchildren around.
4. If a stranger asks to use the phone, do not let him or her in your home.
5. If you do not already have a peephole in your entrance doors, you might consider installing them so you can see visitors without opening the door.
6. Be aware of your surroundings at all times.
7. Be alert at all times.
8. When driving, pull over if you must use a cell phone.
9. Keep a safe distance between vehicles.
10. Use your hazard lights if you are moving slower than the posted speed limit or are stopped near a traffic lane.

POINT TO PONDER:


Your own soul is nourished when you are kind; it is destroyed when you are cruel.

STAY AWAKE ** STAY ALIVE


Drowsy drivers risk their own lives and the lives of others.  For example, fatigue was considered a key factor in three tragic tour-bus crashes between New York City and Atlantic City in December.  The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration estimates that drowsy drivers are the direct cause of at least 100,000 crashes and 1,500 deaths annually. Drowsiness also plays a role in crashes attributed to other causes.  The U.S. Department of Transportation reports that fatigue may be a contributing factor in as many as two million accidents each year.  Sometimes sleepiness sneaks up on you. 

If you experience any of the following warning signs, pull over for a good night's sleep:

*Your eyes close or go out of focus.
*You keep yawning.
*You have a hard time holding your head up.
*You do not remember driving the last few miles.
*You keep drifting out of your lane.

The following tips may help you stay alert while you drive:
*First and foremost, get enough sleep before a trip.
*Plan to drive when you are normally awake, and avoid driving straight to your destination without stopping for a night.
*Do not drive during your natural down time.  If you are a morning person, drive in the morning hours.  If you are a night owl, drive at night.  Almost everyone becomes sleepy in the afternoon, and many fatigue-related accidents happen during the drowsy time between 1:00 PM and 4:00 PM.
*Take turns driving if you are traveling with others.  Chat with your passengers, and tell them to let you know if you're showing signs of sleepiness.
*Listen to lively music or books on tape.
*Check the labels on medications.  Many cold, allergy, and prescription medications cause drowsiness.
*Keep cool. Crack the window and keep the vent open.  Being too warm can make you feel sleepy.
*Schedule a break every two hours or 100 miles.  Take a walk and stretch. Have a cup of coffee or a snack.