From worn-out hot water bottles to poorly stored electric blankets, keeping warm in our homes can pose several significant hazards which many residents may not be aware of.
To help highlight the dangers of heating and electrical devices, Armagh City, Banbridge & Craigavon Borough Council has joined together with other councils in Northern Ireland to launch the ‘Stay Warm Stay Safe’ campaign.
Each year dozens of accidents and fires leading to serious injuries are caused by the incorrect use of common household items.
As part of the ‘Stay Warm Stay Safe’ campaign, the local councils have produced and are distributing a leaflet focusing on key areas: electrical blankets/heated throws; hot-water bottles; overloaded electrical sockets; electrical chargers; portable heaters.
The leaflet brings together a list of safety tips and checks to help eliminate risks in the home environment, as well as outlining some of the incorrect uses of products which pose a danger.
Alderman Margaret Tinsley, Lord Mayor and Age Friendly Member Champion of Armagh City, Banbridge & Craigavon Borough Council, said the simple safety tips could make all the difference in preventing a serious accident.
“Staying warm in our homes is a priority for people and with energy costs remaining very high, we know that some residents will be using a number of different heating devices,” she said.
“I’m sure every home has a few hot-water bottles, but not everyone will know that they need to be changed after two years. How you store an electric blanket can cause damage, and charging devices on your bed is a fire hazard. And then there’s the risks associated with charging devices.
“Some of these safety steps may seem obvious, but it is worth taking a few minutes to refresh these important safety steps and read the advice from the manufacturers of the products. We urge people to share this information with family members and friends, particularly those who regularly use these heating devices.”
You can download a copy of the Stay Safe Stay Warm leaflet by visiting www.armaghbanbridgecraigavon.gov.uk/staywarmstaysafe.
For further information or to request a home safety visit you can contact the council’s environmental health department by email or by calling 0330 0561 011.
