inform-residents-newsletter-winter-2016 (2)

Inform Winter 2016 07 Keeping safe & well this season Carbon Monoxide (CO) aware As the winter draws in and we make more use of our heating appliances, remember to be Carbon Monoxide aware. What is Carbon Monoxide? Carbon Monoxide is a highly poisonous gas that is released to dangerous levels by any appliance or heating system that burns oil, gas or solid fuel if they are not properly installed and maintained or where there is inadequate ventilation. Bad weather and snow can also mean flues get blocked by ice, causing an increased risk of CO poisoning. Symptoms of CO poisoning CO has no smell, colour or taste and therefore is very hard to detect. Its symptoms are often mistaken for other illnesses, such as flu, but without a raised temperature. If you suspect CO poisoning turn off all appliances, go outside and seek medical assistance immediately. Appliances should not be used again until they have been serviced by a registered engineer. Reduce the risk of CO poisoning The Public Health Agency recommends: • Installing an audible Carbon Monoxide alarm that meets British or European standards (BS Kitemark or EN 50291). These cost as little as £20 and should be installed in accordance with the instructions. Alarms should never be used as a substitute for regular servicing of appliances by a registered engineer at least once a year • Sweeping chimneys and flues every year if you burn solid fuel • If you are in rented accommodation, ask your landlord for an up-to-date gas safety record which is required by law • Keeping flues, air vents and grilles clear and ensure rooms are well ventilated Keeping warm this winter Keep warm and safe this winter by: • Closing curtains in the evenings • Making sure your house is well insulated • Fitting a hot water cylinder jacket, which can save you up to £40 per year • Draught-proofing your home, but keeping the correct amount of ventilation to prevent the build-up of dangerous gases such as Carbon Monoxide (CO) • Making sure your smoke alarm is working • Making sure you claim all the financial support to which you may be entitled, such as the winter fuel payment, to help with heating bills • Keeping homes at an even temperature to use less energy. You can do this by heating your home for shorter periods through the whole day Advice for safer driving this winter • Read the road - the further ahead you look the more time you have to recognise and respond to hazards • Anticipate the problems that might come up and plan for them well in advance • Use the two second rule to keep your distance from vehicles. Spot a marker ahead, wait until the vehicle ahead of you goes past it, and say to yourself ‘only a fool breaks the two second rule’. If you are at the marker before you have finished, you are too close. Double the two second rule if the road is wet • Concentrate on the road – looking away while driving can be fatal • Use rear and side view mirrors regularly so you have 360 degree knowledge of what’s going on around you. Use shoulder checks before you move out to solve blind spot problems • Stay fresh - driver fatigue is a major factor in many crashes. Take at least a 15 minute break after two hours at the wheel Toy Safety When you’re out shopping this season for toys for children make sure you follow these tips from ROSPA (Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents) to ensure the toys you buy are safe: • Look for the mandatory European Community (CE) symbol which shows the toy meets the requirements of the EC Toy Safety Directive • Buy from reputable suppliers or traders • Make sure toys are age appropriate • Avoid toys with small components or parts, sharp points and edges or finger traps, and children’s costumes with loose ribbons and long neck ties Button cell batteries Inside some electronic devices and toys are button cell batteries. If a button cell battery is swallowed by a small child their saliva and the electrical current from the battery produces caustic soda, which can cause severe burns to the throat or stomach within two hours, or even death. Always ensure the battery compartment on devices is secure and keep batteries out of children’s reach. If your child does swallow a button cell battery, seek medical advice immediately. Safe shopping this Christmas This festive season, Fermanagh & Omagh Policing and Community Safety Partnership (PCSP) encourages you to be aware of opportunistic criminals. Protect your property • Don’t leave presents on display in your home or car • Don’t keep large amounts of cash in your home to buy presents • Make sure your home is secure • If you are unsure of anyone calling at your home, don’t let them in. Always ask for ID and if you are still unsure call QuickCheck on 0800 013 2290 • If you are going away over Christmas, tell your neighbour and ask local police to put your details on the vacant house register Protect yourself when shopping online • If something seems too good to be true it probably is! Always check payment pages are secure and log out when you’ve finished shopping online • When making payments on an auction website, use insured payment methods like PayPal. Never agree to a bank transfer with people you do not know • Beware of scam emails or ecards. Don’t download attachments or click on links in messages you were not expecting • Do not use passwords that are easy to guess, that you use for more than one account or that you share with others • Ensure your wireless internet is secure. Never use free wireless internet when out and about, if what you’re doing is private • Always have internet security software and apps switched on and up-to-date. This includes those for new phones and tablets given as gifts 