A local pharmacy has joined forces with ABC Council to spread the important message of ‘Stay Warm Stay Safe’ as temperatures take a tumble during the winter months.
McKeevers Chemists, which has outlets in Armagh, Keady and right across Northern Ireland and the UK, will distribute the ‘Stay Warm Stay Safe’ leaflets to highlight the potential dangers caused by staying warm certain practices in the home.
ABC Council are calling on other businesses and organisations across the Borough to step forward and help distribute the leaflets and in turn stop preventable accidents.
Unfortunately dozens of accidents and fires leading to serious injuries are caused by the incorrect use of common household items, each year. From worn-out hot water bottles to poorly stored electric blankets and overloaded electrical sockets, keeping warm in our homes can pose several significant hazards which many residents may not be aware of.
In an effort to avoid these risks, Environmental Health staff from Armagh City, Banbridge & Craigavon (ABC) Borough Council partnered with councils in Northern Ireland to launch the ‘Stay Warm Stay Safe’ campaign earlier this year.
Lord Mayor of Armagh City, Banbridge & Craigavon Borough Council Cllr Sarah Duffy who is also an Age Friendly Champion thanked McKeevers Chemists for supporting the campaign.
“As a council we really appreciate the support of businesses like McKeevers who can help spread an important message like this,” she said.
“Staying warm in our homes is a priority at this time of year and with energy costs still high, we know that a lot people will be using a number of different heating devices,” she said.
“There are some risks that many people may not even be aware of. I am sure every home has a few hot-water bottles, but not everyone will know that they have an expiry date and need to be changed after two years. There are quite a few other dangers which are not obvious. Deteriorated or weakened rubber can lead to potential hot water leaks resulting in severe burns.
“We urge people to share this information with family members and friends, particularly those who regularly use these heating devices.”
Helen McKeever from McKeevers Chemists said: “‘McKeevers are keen to promote the importance of preventing accidents caused by heating and electrical devices in the home. It only takes a second for a serious accident to occur, and by taking the time to read the Stay Warm Stay Safe leaflets, these accidents could be avoided.”
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.
If you own a business or are involved in an organisation and would like to distribute the Stay Warm Stay Safe leaflets then contact the ABC Council’s Home Safety Officer on 0330 0561 011 or email
For further information please visit www.armaghbanbridgecraigavon.gov.uk/staywarmstaysafe.
If you are interested in finding out more about home accident prevention or receiving a home safety visit, please get in touch using the contact details above.
