The cold weather is here again.
To most of us the cold is just an inconvenience and we may have to scrape the car wind shield in the morning, but the older members of our community cold can be a killer.
The onset of hypothermia causes the victim to fall into a sleep they may never awake from.
Please keep an eye out for elderly member of the community in your area, if you don't see them about when you expect to or they have the curtains closed all day - be bold, knock on their door and see if they are ok.
If they are cold, start warming them with warm (not hot) drinks, wrap they in blanks with a warm (not hot) water bottle, get the heating on in the house. If you are more concerned call an ambulance.
Doctors surgeries, hospitals and council offices all have leaflets on how to stay warm and how to cope with people suffering from the cold. If you know of elderly people, you may like to get them a copy of the leaflets. Either way, please take a few minutes of your time to keep an eye on the elderly , you may save a life and even make a new friend.
The elderly are often worried about the costs of heating a house/room but
please remember to risk a life for a few pennies, is it worth it!.
If you visit a home that seems cold (remember Babies and the Elderly are
at risk from Hypothermia) please drop some suttle hints.
And it is getting colder...
Time to switch on the heating (that is if you ever switched it off over the 'summer') and get the electric blanket out. Take a few minutes to check things out:Carbon Monoxide
is poisonous to both people and animals. it is often difficult to detect because you cannot see it, smell it or taste it. About 40 people die each year from faulty home heating appliances. Some of the problem signs are:
If you notice any of the above, STOP USiNG the appliance and immediately contact British Gas or another CORGI registered installer.
You may want to consider installing a carbon monoxide detector in your home, which sounds an alarm if carbon monoxide levels become dangerous. You should that the detector has the BS7860 Kite Mark.
Gas Leaks.
Gas, is of course, highly flammable, which is why a strong smell is added to it so that you know straight away if, for instance, you leave a burner turned on. If you small gas:from a phone outside you house.
Electric Blankets.
Old or damages electric blankets cause over 5,000 fires each year. Make sure your blanket is safe and have is checked or replaced if:
The nights are gettlng darker
As the nights draw in and it gets darker earlier, spare a few minutes to think about your journeys by car, especially ladies travelling late in the day:
- Plan Ahead
- Tell someone where you are going.
- If you are going somewhere that you have not been before, or if you are driving alone, ask a relative or friend if they know a safe parking place.
- Lock valuables in the boot, out of sight.
- Take a map and mobile phone if your are going somewhere unfamiliar.
Choosing a Car Park
When choosing a Car Park. look for: - One that carries a Secured Car Park logo. Many local councils now produce guides to the location of registered Secure Car Parks.
- Good lighting, no dark areas.
- CCTV if possible.
Choose a parking place which is: - On the lowest level.
- Park where other people can see you and your car.
- Park as close to the pay desk as possible.
- Take your parking ticket with you.
Vehicle Safety: - Fit a car alarm,
- Fit an immobiliser helps prevent theft of the car
- Anti theft devices, such as steering wheel locks do help
When you return to your car: - Check the back seat before getting into the car
- Avoid using the lift, stairways are considered safer.
- Lock the doors as soon as you get into the car.
- If it is dark, carry small torch and/or a personal alarm.
- If you think you are being followed, drive to a Police Station or flag down a Police Car.
- If you feel unsafe, ask an attendant to escort you.
- Have your keys ready in your hand.
- Do not stop for strangers.
Plan your journey. What route are you taking to your destination? Do you have enough fuel? What time will you arrive, will it be dark when you do arrive.
