Home Instead:Be Safe, Be Seen, Be Winter Proof

Home Instead Says: Be Safe, Be Seen, Be Winter Proof

Pedestrians and cyclists are particularly vulnerable on Irish roads. Wearing a simple high-visibility vest will reduce the risk of being involved in a fatal or serious injury collision. Home Instead would like to remind all road users of their vulnerability, and we ask that you take personal responsibility for your actions on the road and to make sure you and those in your household wear a high visibility vest when walking or cycling, day or night. Recent winters in Ireland have been severe, with snow, ice and freezing temperatures lasting for several weeks. Home Instead would like to offer older people a few more tips from www.winterready.ie for those months when temperatures plummet.

• Listen to the weather forecasts

• Stay indoors if possible when the weather is bad

• Be extra careful if you must walk on icy paths or roads

• Buy salt to put on the footpaths near your home. This will help to melt the ice

• Keep in contact with your family, friends and neighbours

• Before winter sets in, get your boiler and pipes checked by a qualified plumber and keep their phone number handy in case of heating or plumbing problems.

If you use natural gas, always use a registered gas installer

• Try to keep some money for extra fuel. Or if you feel you won’t have enough money for heating, contact the Money, Advice and Budgeting Service (MABS) which can help you plan a budget

• Buy extra groceries when you do your weekly shopping in case you can’t get back to the shop for a while because of bad weather.

If you need some extra support around the home, you can contact Home Instead Senior Care on 1890 930 013 or visit www.homeinstead.ie.