Isolated people most at risk during snowfalls
WE’RE being reminded to check up friends and neighbours who live alone during the cold snap.
While snowy scenes mean fun for children, for older people living alone it represents a myriad of dangers.
Muintir na Tire’s Sligo spokesperson Vanessa Clarke said: “If you know of people close by who are isolated or living alone please do check up on them. Even those who receive home help - often the home help cannot make the journey if roads are bad.”
There are three key things for people living alone to remember: food, fuel and medication.
“It’s very important people have two weeks fuel stored in so they don’t get into a panic situation. If they can plan in advance now. Buy in tinned foods such as beans and peas etc that they can live on. Store them in the larder,” said Vanessa.
“The third thing is medication - have at least a week’s supply of these. Make sure they get topped up, not to be going down to the last few tablets. A lot of people tend to go out to the pharmacist when they run out,” she said.
While we’re being urged to wrap up warm, Vanessa is also warning of the dangers of getting too close to the fire: “People have a tendency to put lots of blankets on them and sit close to the fire. Make sure you have a spark guard up and a working smoke and Carbon Monoxide alarm. If you need an alarm fitted, call Lend a Hand on 087-177 6386,” she added.