Installed in 2004, the security system emits a high frequency sound whenever the center’s doors and windows are forcibly opened.
“There were many attempts to break into the center but they were not successful,” Mondala said.
The center pays $37 a month for its security services provided by G4S Security Services, she added.
Mondala recommended government offices and other businesses to set up a similar security and alarm system to ward off burglars.
Variety was told though that the Rota aging center was burglarized last month.
Some supplies were taken but not the computers and other valuable office equipment.
At the Saipan center, Mondala said they also have an emergency preparedness program for the congregates.
Under their four-year state plan, she said her office will conduct a disaster awareness education for the elderly and their caregivers.
Early this year, the center conducted a fire drill after one of its vans caught fire.
“The disaster awareness education will delineate what the elderly can do, who to seek when there is a warning on a particular disaster and where to go when evacuation is needed,” she said.
The program, she added, will be coordinated by her office with the Department of Public Safety and the Emergency Management Office.
She said the Office on Aging will directly take full responsibility for the emergency preparedness plan and will personally coordinate with the involved agencies when emergencies of whatever nature involving the elderly need immediate attention and response.
