Visits for seniors during winter power cuts

THE warmth of fellowfeeling could be a lifesaver next winter, thanks to the efforts of the Tapanui Volunteer Fire Brigade.

Brigade members conducted a ‘‘loosely coordinated’’ round of visits to single senior citizens during August’s heavy snow and power cut in the town, after Senior Firefighter Sue Wink became concerned about their wellbeing.

A blizzard on August 5 deposited about 20cm of snow in the town, and left households without electricity for more than five hours.

That had meant many vulnerable people had been left with no source of heating, and without power for phones, cooking or essential medical devices, Mrs Wink said.

‘‘We have about 50 over65s living alone in the town, and many in modern homes with only a heat pump for warmth. So after five hours in the snow, there were a few getting a bit chilly.’’

One lady in her 70s had been discovered trying to remove snow from her heat pump’s exterior unit, in an attempt to get it to work.

‘‘There should really be a second heating source in all [West Otago] homes, but since there isn’t, this is the next best thing we can do.’’

A group of about 10 firefighters had volunteered to visit people living on their own during future incidents, and would be joined in the initiative by West Otago Lions Club members.

She was also taking steps to formalise the group’s activity by liaising with West Otago Health, Mrs Wink said.

‘‘We’d like to compile a register of people who need a visit during situations like this, so we can make sure noone falls through the cracks. Even when people have family in the town, there’s no guarantee they’ll be able to check up on their relatives if, say, there’s a flood or heavy snow. So we think it’s an important initiative to make sure everyone in our community is safe.’’

Residents Hazel Pearce (91) and Helen Wicksteed (68) said they had been grateful to receive visits from brigade members in August.

‘‘I got quite a surprise. They asked if I needed firewood brought in or groceries delivered,’’ Mrs Pearce said.

Although she did not rely solely on electricity for heating, many friends had been left in the cold during the power cut.

PHOTO: RICHARD DAVISON Safety service . . . Among the more than 50 senior Tapanui residents benefiting from a new neighbourly checkup scheme during power cuts are Hazel Pearce (left), and Helen Wicksteed.