Sid the Squirrel says 'stay safe at home'
SAFETY chiefs teamed up with Freeman Street Market to help ensure the elderly and vulnerable are Safe At Home this winter.
The team set up stall in the market to call on shoppers to prepare themselves – and vulnerable neighbours – now in case bad weather takes hold later in the year.
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PLAN AHEAD: Sid the Squirrel, the winter planning mascot, gets a pretend flu injection from Marie Hancock, flu co-ordinator for North East Lincolnshire Primary Care Trust, during the Safety At Home event, at Freeman Street market. Looking on is Vicky Campbell, winter planning co-ordinator for VANEL. Picture: Rick Byrne
Among their top tips were calls to do as Sid the Squirrel does and stock up – while North East Lincolnshire Care Plus reminded shoppers to book in their winter flu jabs.
Vicky Campbell, winter planning co-ordinator for Voluntary Action North East Lincolnshire, said: "There are simple ways people can keep their homes warm and prevent hypothermia and make sure they have the essential items in if it snows."
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And, in the wake of the two tragic deaths of Elaine Coley, of Cleethorpes, and North Cotes man Graham Beesley, carbon monoxide poisoning was also high on the agenda.
Humberside Fire And Rescue Service community safety advocate Jo Linney said alarms and detectors were inexpensive to buy and fit, adding they could easily be found in superstores and DIY shops across the town.
She said: "It is very tragic what has happened, but they are not the first ones.
"Alarms are easy to get and could save a life.
"We would urge people to get their appliances checked and get detectors fitted."
She also demonstrated vibrating alarms, which are available to people who are deaf, and showed off safety advice printed in braille and in large print for those who are visually impaired.
She reminded visitors free home safety and electric blanket checks are available to people who are elderly or vulnerable, adding that fire safety officers had already conducted tests on oxygen cylinders for those who need them in the home.
She added: "It is great that we are working with other agencies to get to know those who are vulnerable."
Helen Hope, of East Marsh Involve, also offered to help residents source smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors.
To take advantage, simply call the community group's offices in Wellington Street, Grimsby, or the stall in Freeman Street Market on Tuesday, Friday and Saturday from 9am to 2pm.
The final piece of advice came from Age UK chief officer Sheilagh Coulson, who said that ensuring your home is secure is equally important.
She said any resident over 60 with savings of less than £25,000 is entitled to a HandyVan service and two hours of free security and improvement work in the home.
She also urged the elderly to get involved in a host of social activities available in the area, including luncheon clubs, exercise classes or bingo.
Find out more
For a simple winter safety check list, e-mail vicky@vanel.org.uk or call 07930101907.
Details of local activities can be picked up from the Age UK offices in Osborne Street, Grimsby.
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