Every year there is a campaign to stop elderly people from getting cold and subsequently ill. Figures released by the Council say that 140 people die in Portsmouth every year because of cold and many will become seriously ill. These deaths are preventable. What is amazing is that 22,750 homes in the city are not properly heated. Grants are available to ensure your home can be warmer. Please remember to switch on your heating. Advice can turn your home into a safe and cosy haven. Call into the Information Centre or ring 92380000 for further details.
Insulation Grants
Everyone qualifies! 65-80% grants are available to all. 100% (FREE) if you receive benefits - call in the Information Centre for details or ring freephone 0800 616 963 (24 hours, 7 days a week) .
Fight the Flu
Winter brings dark evening and cold weather and also coughs and colds, and a more unpleasant and serious illness, Influenza or Flu. Are you at risk? Some people aged 65 and over are in a high-risk category. The Department of Health recommends that anyone in a high-risk group should have a flu vaccination every year. Vaccines are available every year from October and you must get a flu jab every year to stay protected. If you think you may be eligible talk to your doctor or practice nurse. Age Concern leaflets ‘Fight the Flu’ and 'Keep out the cold' are available from the Information Centre
Winter Fire Safety
Another concern is Fire Safety. There are several leaflets available and one has had extracts taken from the Fire Brigade publication on
- Cooking Safety
o Clothing and tea towels should be kept away from the cooker
o Keep electrical leads away from the cooker
If deep fat frying never fill the pan more than one third full
o If the pan catches fire don’t take risks get everyone out of the house and call the fire brigade
o Turn off the heat under the pan and allow to cool completely
Heaters
o Always position heaters so the back is against a wall and they are facing the room. If possible secure them to the wall to prevent them from falling over
o Switch heaters off if you are not in the room or if you are going to bed
o Portable gas heaters should have should have the cylinders stored and changed outside or in a well ventilated atmosphere
o Both gas and paraffin heaters should only be used in a well-ventilated area.
- Electric Blankets
o If your blanket is more than 10 years old or shows signs of wear and tear the best advice is to get a new one
o When buying a new electric blanket ensue it has ‘overheat protection’ which will cut off the power if it becomes too hot
o Electric blankets should carry the British Standard Kitemark and the British Electrotechnical Approvals Board (BEAB) symbol on them. Have your blanket checked by an expert once every three years or as recommended by the manufacturer
- Candle Safety
o Never leave a candle unattended and remember to extinguish before you go to sleep
o Make sure the candle is standing erect and fixed in a proper holder. Scented candles turn to liquid in order to release their fragrance so burn them in a suitable glass or metal container able to withstand the heat
o Place on a heat resistant surface Night lights and tea light can melt plastic surfaces or the top of a TV or side of a bath.
o Leave minimum of 10 cm (4 inches) between candles and never place under shelves or other surfaces
o Extinguish before the candle burns into the holder
o Burn well out of the reach of children or pets
o Put out before moving use a ‘snuffer’ rather than blowing out which can send hot wax everywhere. Consider an extra smoke alarm in rooms in which candles are burnt
- Chimneys
o Sweep the chimney before use even if it has not been used for some time
o Sweep at least once a year if you burn coal or at least twice a year if you burn wood
o Always keep a fireguard in front of a burning fire
Extinguish the fire before going to bed or leaving the house
All these leaflets and more can be obtained from the Information Centre (next to the Surgery) on Monday – Friday 9.30 –1pm and 2nd Saturday of each month. Please call in or telephone 9238 0000
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