WINTER
WISE
KEEP WARM • KEEP WELL • KEEP WATCH
www.antrim.gov.uk/winterwise
HELPS Y0U GET
WINTER WISE
KEEP WARM • KEEP WELL • KEEP WATCH
ANTRIM BOROUGH COUNCIL believes in putting the community
at the heart of everything it does and is delighted to launch WINTER WISE.
This booklet has been developed to support the Council’s aim of helping our
community to KEEP WARM, KEEP WELL & KEEP WATCH.
The Council has many initiatives in place all of which provide a lifeline to
those who need it most. These include:
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Winter Packs
Keep Warm Packs
Oil Stamps Saving Scheme
Oil Clubs
Electric Blanket Testing
As well as providing information on these initiatives, this booklet is designed
to bring together information and practical tools from a number of key
agencies on helping our community to keep safe and well during winter.
We hope you find it a useful and that it will provide practical help during the
winter months.
For further information on any of the above schemes, contact the Health &
Well-being team T. 028 9446 3113 E. [email protected] or
visit www.antrim.gov.uk/winterwise
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WINTER WISE
INTRODUCTION
KEEP WARM
By keeping warm over the winter months you can
help prevent colds, flu or more serious health
problems like pneumonia. Check you have had your
heating and cooking appliances serviced and install a
carbon monoxide alarm.
Try to heat your main living room to around 18-21°C
and the rest of the house to at least 16°C. Make sure
you keep your living room warm throughout the day
and heat your bedroom before going to bed. In very cold weather, set the heating
to come on earlier, rather than turning the thermostat up. This means you won’t
be cold while you wait for your home to heat up.
On these long, dark, cold nights who doesn’t look forward to putting their electric
blanket to good use again? However, it’s important to make sure it’s safe.
ANTRIM BOROUGH COUNCIL, with support from the Public Health Agency,
carries out electric blanket testing every year. In recent testing, 60.5% blanket
failed.That’s 72 households that had been using faulty blankets which clearly
shows how important it is to have the tested regularly. A specially qualified
electrician checks the blanket and if it fails, customers are given a replacement.
The Council then safely disposes of the dangerous blanket. Never use hot water
bottles in the same bed as an electric blanket, even
if the blanket is switched off.
Wear clothes made of wool, cotton or fleecy
synthetic fibres and plenty of thin layers rather
than one thick layer. Wear bed socks and thermal
underwear at night and put on a coat, hat, scarf,
gloves and well gripping warm shoes or boots when
you go outside. Keep the heat in your home and
costs down with insulation.
KEEP WARM
WINTER WISE
03
KEEP WARM
It’s a good idea to:
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fit draught-proofing to seal any gaps around windows and doors
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make sure wall cavities are insulated
make sure your loft has insulation - any home with 4 inches
(100 millimetres) or less should have it topped up
insulate your hot water cylinder and pipes
Save for your oil heating costs through ANTRIM BOROUGH COUNCIL’S OIL
STAMPS SAVING SCHEME. More and more of the community are recognising
the benefits of the Oil Stamps Scheme. In the past 12 months, £172,000
worth of stamps were sold which is five times more than two years ago!
Residents pick up an oil stamps savings card at any of the participating
retail outlets and purchase stamps with their weekly shopping, at a cost of
£5 each. Stamps are placed on the savings card and then used as payment
or part payment for a fill of oil from any of the participating oil companies. It
couldn’t be simpler.
OIL CLUBS allow local residents to combine their orders for oil. Orders are
placed with a community co-ordinator and must be placed by a specified
date each month. Lower prices are negotiated with oil suppliers by buying
oil in larger quantities.
KEEP WARM PACKS are a regionally funded project by the Public
Health Agency and are designed to support those living in Fuel Poverty,
struggling to stay warm within their homes. The project has a limited
number of packs available and set criteria must be met in order to receive
a pack. Antrim Borough Council works in partnership with a number of
organisations which identify those most in need of support.
For more information on energy efficiency measures contact:
Health & Well being T. 028 9446 3113.
E. [email protected]
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WINTER WISE
KEEP WARM
KEEP SAFE IN YOUR HOME
CARBON MONOXIDE POISONING
Carbon monoxide is produced when gas appliances like boilers, built-in ovens,
freestanding cookers or any appliance such as a boiler, open fire or stove which
burns oil or solid fuel (coal, wood, petrol) aren’t fully burning their fuel. This
usually happens if they have been incorrectly fitted, not property maintained, or if
vents, chimneys or flues become blocked.
The Gas Safe Register has identified some tell-tale carbon monoxide signs:
üYellow or orange cooker flames – gas flames should be crisp and blue
üSoot or yellow-brown staining around or on appliances
üInconsistent boiler pilot lights which frequently blow out
üMore condensation inside windows than usual
TAKE THESE STEPS TO REDUCE THE RISK
üInstall a carbon monoxide detector.
Since 31 October 2012 you need to
install a carbon monoxide alarm into any new home that has a combustion
appliance and if you fit a new boiler, open fire, stove or other combustion
heating appliance in an existing home.
üEnsure boilers, stoves and other appliances are properly fitted, regularly
(at least annually) checked and serviced by a competent person.
üMake sure you have adequate ventilation. Don’t block or build around any
existing air vents or flues.
üMake sure all chimneys are regularly swept and kept clear.
For help with installation or servicing of your appliance contact:
OFTEC (Oil Firing Technical Association) 0845 600 2105
Northern Ireland Association of Chimney Sweeps www.niacs.co.uk
Gas Safe Register 0800 408 5500
For more information on CO2 or home safety contact:
Health & Well being T. 028 9446 3113. E. [email protected]
KEEP SAFE IN YOUR HOME
WINTER WISE
05
KEEP PIPES FROM FREEZING
Water pipes freezing in the winter are
dangerous and expensive. To avoid frozen
pipes you should insulate water tanks and
pipes in areas such as lofts, roof spaces,
garages and outbuildings.
Lagging material can be purchased from DIY or plumbing stores. Be aware
that even with lagging, extreme weather conditions can still result in water
within pipes freezing. However, without lagging, the potential for this to
happen is greatly increased.
Make sure any dripping taps are repaired. It only
takes a small drip of water to freeze leaving the pipe
completely blocked. Know where to find the internal
stop tap or valve.
It is usually (but not always) located under your
kitchen sink and normally closes by turning
clockwise. Test that it’s working in preparation for
cold winter weather.
Leave the heating on a low level setting if
you’re away from home. Leave a key with a
neighbour, friend or family member who can
check the house regularly. Service your boiler
frequently to ensure the heating is working
efficiently.
Don’t forget about non-domestic premises and holiday homes which may be
unoccupied and/or unheated for prolonged periods of time. Turn the water
supply off at the stop valve or tap to reduce the risk of burst pipes going
undetected and potentially causing major damage to the property.
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WINTER WISE
KEEP PIPES FROM FREEZING
KEEP DRY
There is a heightened risk of flooding
during winter as rainfall increases
and snow and ice melt.
To protect yourself and your property
and to minimise damage, move
valuable possessions and electrical
items to where water can’t reach
them. It’s your responsibility to
protect your property from flooding.
Use sandbags at entry points to the
property, including outhouses and
garages. If sandbags aren’t available
use sacks or pillowcases filled with
sand or soil. Flood barriers can be
made or purchased and may help in
higher risk flood areas.
Think about your escape route –
particularly if you live in a bungalow.
Make sure you know the quickest
route out and where keys are kept if
your windows have locks. Shut off gas
and electricity at the mains point.
DON’T FORGET ABOUT OUTSIDE
Move your car to higher ground,
garden furniture to a safe place and
protect any chemicals or fuel stored
in your garage or outhouses so they
don’t spill into floodwater. Secure
your oil tank and unplug outside
electrical appliances.
KEEP DRY
Once the flood subsides, don’t enter
a property with large amounts of
sediment which may indicate instability.
Look at the ceiling for cracks and
bulges or wet plaster which can be
a threat to the structure. If it is safe
to enter, check the electricity in the
property is switched off. Check for the
smell of gas and make sure the mains
source is switched off.
Avoid standing water as there is a risk
that this may be contaminated.
BE PREPARED IN CASE OF FLOODING
Antrim Borough Council’s Flooding
Booklet helps you be prepared in case
of an emergency. Within the booklet
you can find advice on how to protect
both yourself and your property in the
event of a flood.
Visit www.antrim.gov.uk/flooding or
for a hard copy T. 028 9446 3113.
To report a flood contact Emergency
Flooding Incident Line T. 0300 200 100.
WINTER WISE
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KEEP HEALTHY
KEEPING YOURSELF HEALTHY AND WELL IN WINTER IS REALLY IMPORTANT.
Check you have had your flu jab if you are aged 65 or
over, pregnant, have certain medical conditions, live
in a residential or nursing home or are the main carer
for an older or disabled person.
The website, NHS choices, (www.nhs.uk) gives great health advice on winter
ailments including flu, winter vomiting and cold temperatures.
EAT WELL
Hot meals and drinks help keep you warm, so drink
plenty of tea, coffee and hot chocolate and make sure you
eat at least one hot meal each day.
If you can, try and make sure you have your five portions
of fruit and vegetables a day as this will give you the right
nutrients and vitamins to fight those winter bugs.
BEAT THE BLUES
With dark long days and bad weather, it’s very easy to sit in the house and not get
out and about. This can have an impact on your mental health so it’s important
to find ways to beat the winter blues.
Sunlight helps improve your mood so when the weather is good go for a walk or
sit near natural light. Spend time planning things to do in the summer months
so that you have something to look forward to.
If you feel completely overwhelmed, organisations such as Lifeline
T. 0808 808 8000 or Samaritans T. 08457 909090 are there to help.
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WINTER WISE
KEEP HEALTHY
KEEP ACTIVE
Keeping active in the winter months is great for
both the mind and body.
Physical activity has been shown to reduce the
risk of general ill health, heart disease, some
cancers, stroke and mental health problems. It’s
difficult to get out an about when the weather
isn’t good and the days are short, but there are
lots of options to help you get motivated.
In the better winter weather, wrap up warm and enjoy a brisk walk along one
of the many walking routes around the Borough. If walking along the Six Mile
Water River from Antrim Forum, the Outdoor Gym will help keep you motivated
to do a little extra during your walk. There are a number of activities that take
place outside such as PACE Running Club, the driving range at Allen Park or why
not join the Walking Group for a more organised social walk.
If you prefer to be indoors, think about joining a class or club. There are lots of
activities available for all ages at Antrim Forum or closer to you in your local
Community Centre. They offer activities from gentle yoga through to the more
energetic circuits classes. Get all the family involved with a game of ten pin
bowling or badminton.
The Fit & Active Clubs are a great alternative
for the Over 50s and offer not just a variety of
different activities, but an opportunity to socialise
over a coffee afterwards. It’s easy to lock yourself
away over the winter period, a club like this helps
prevent isolation and both the exercise and the
company will help improve your mental health.
For more information on activities in your area both outdoors and indoors, check
out the Active Antrim Magazine or visit: www.antrim.gov.uk/activeantrim
KEEP ACTIVE
WINTER WISE
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KEEP YOUR PETS SAFE
Bad weather affects our pets as well,
it’s harder for them to stay warm and
more difficult to exercise them.
Look out for pets and keep them safe
from flood water. Have a tag on their
collar with your name and contact
number on it and have them micro
chipped.
If your pet is kept outside make sure
there is adequate shelter to protect
them from wind and rain and plenty
of warm bedding. Feeding them
sufficiently and regularly will also help
to keep them warm.
Your pet, particularly your dog, will still need
exercised. Just a short walk or bouncing a ball
around the garden is quite often enough to keep
them happy. Some animal toys will also help
stimulate them if they can’t get out of the house
because of ice and snow.
If you are concerned about your
pet, contact your local vet. If you
are concerned about the welfare
of a neighbour’s pet contact the
Animal Welfare Officer on
T. 028 2566 0412.
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WINTER WISE
KEEP YOUR PETS SAFE
KEEP SAFE ON THE ROADS
It’s a good idea to have your vehicle
fully serviced before winter starts.
Make sure that all lights are clean and
working, the battery is fully charged,
brakes are working well, the wind
screen and windows are clean and the
washer bottle filled with screen wash.
Top up anti-freeze & oil, stock up on
de-icer.
All tyres (including the spare) should
be in good condition and at the legal
tread depth and pressure . If they don’t
have the legal tread it will seriously
affect your car’s traction and steering.
Keep an emergency kit in your car:
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tow rope
emergency rations
(including a hot drink in flask)
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fully charged mobile phone
shovel
wellington boots
hazard warning triangle
first aid kit (in good order)
a working torch
a blanket
warm clothes
KEEP SAFE ON THE ROADS
Clear windows and mirrors
completely of snow and ice before
you set off. Make sure the heater
is blowing warm air to keep your
windscreen clear.
Wear comfortable, dry shoes for
driving as snow-covered boots will
slip on the pedals. Visibility may be
reduced so use dipped headlights.
Reduce your speed. Stopping
distances are 10 times longer and the
chances of skidding much greater.
Drive slowly in the highest gear
possible and slow down in plenty of
time for bends and corners. To brake
on ice and snow without locking your
wheels, get into a low gear earlier
than normal, allow your speed to fall
and use your brakes gently. Increase
the gap between you and the vehicle
in front. If you get stuck, straighten
the steering and clear the snow from
the wheels. Put a sack or old rug in
front of the driving wheels to give the
tyres some grip.
WINTER WISE
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KEEP ICE OFF THE ROADS
DRD Roads Service is responsible
for the salting of roads. They don’t
normally spread salt when there is
heavy rain, on dry roads which have
no risk of frost, in the middle of the
night or on roads which have little
traffic (traffic is needed to turn salt
into a de-icing solution.) In heavy
snow they clear motorways and trunk
roads first.
Legally, there is nothing to stop home and business
owners from clearing snow and ice from outside
their own premises. In fact in 2010, the Attorney
General for Northern Ireland advised that if you clear
ice and snow carefully you are unlikely to be held
liable (www.nidirect.gov.uk). It is best to clear ice
and snow early in the day and use salt or sand – not
water as this can re-freeze. For further information
contact DRD Roads Service T. 0300 200 77891;
After Hours Emergency T. 028 7035 3203 or visit
www.drdni.gov.uk
WINTER PACKS including 10 snow shovels, ice grippers, high visibility vests
and gloves are available from Antrim Borough Council for local communities
to help clear their areas of snow. The packs are provided free of charge by the
council and the name of the individual or group who receives them would be
shared with the local community.
If you are interested in a pack, please contact Health and Well being on
T. 028 9446 3113 or E. [email protected].
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WINTER WISE
KEEP ICE OFF THE ROADS
KEEP YOUR HEAD CLEAR
Hopefully everything will go smoothly for you this
winter, however it is important to be prepared if an
emergency occurs.
Prepare a grab bag containing everything you might
need if you have to leave your home.
The following items may be useful to keep in the bag:
ü Prescription medicines
ü Toiletries
ü Bottled water & non-perishable food items
ü Cash
ü House & car keys
ü Mobile phone
ü List of important numbers. Tear off and detach the contact numbers at
the back of this booklet and put them into your bag along with contact
details for family and friends, your home and car insurance company
and local maintenance contractors.
ü Copies of important documentation including Birth Certificates or ID
ü Chargers or spare batteries
ü Wind-up or battery powered torch and radio
ü First Aid kit
ü Warm and water proof clothes and blankets
If it’s possible, check on family, friends and neighbours, especially the elderly
and keep in contact with others but don’t put yourself in any danger. Listen to a
local radio station or TV channel and wait for official updates.
KEEP YOUR HEAD CLEAR
WINTER WISE
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EMERGENCY & INFORMATION SERVICES
Police Service of
Northern Ireland
T. 0845 600 8000
Emergency: 999
www.psni.org.uk
Northern Ireland Fire
& Rescue Service
T. 028 9266 4221
Emergency: 999
www.nifrs.org
Northern Ireland
Ambulance Service
T. 028 7134 7134
Emergency: 999
www.niamb.co.uk
ADVICE
Antrim Citizens Bureau
T. 028 9442 8176
DSD Benefit Enquiry Line
T. 0800 220 674
ANIMAL WELFARE
HEALTH
Antrim Area Hospital
T. 0289 9442 4000
Dalriada Doctor
T. 028 2566 3500
Lifeline
T. 0808 808 8000
Samaritans
T. 08457 909090
HOUSING
Northern Ireland Housing Executive
T. 03448 920 900 (Office Hours)
T. 03448 920 901 (Emergencies)
POWER & ENERGY
Northern Ireland Electricity
T. 08457 642 643 (24 hours)
www.nie.co.uk
Power NI
T. 08457 455 455
www.powerni.co.uk
Animal Welfare Officer
T. 028 2566 0412
Airtricity
T. 0845 601 9093
COUNCIL
Phoenix Gas
T. 0845 900 5253
www.phoenixsupplyni.com
Antrim Borough Council
T. 028 9446 3113
www.antrim.gov.uk
FLOODING
T. 0300 200 100 (Flood Incident Line)
T. 028 9260 6100
(Rivers Agency; River flooding or
overflowing water courses)
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WINTER WISE
#
KEEP CONTACT
Firmus Energy
T. 08456 08 00 88
www.firmusenergy.co.uk
Northern Ireland Gas
Emergency Service
T. 0800 002 001
KEEP CONTACT
KEEP CONTACT EMERGENCY & INFORMATION SERVICES
RADIO STATIONS
BBC Radio Ulster
94.5 FM
Citybeat
96.7 FM
Cool FM
97.4FM
Downtown
1026 AM
U105105.8FM
YOUR CONTACT NUMBERS
ROAD GRITTING
DRD Roads Service
T. 0300 200 77891
T. 028 70353 202 (After Hours/Emergency)
TRAFFIC & TRAVEL
Travelwatch
www.trafficwatch.com
Met Office
www.metoffice.gov.uk
WATER
NI Water
T. 08457 440088
(Burst Water Mains or
Blocked Sewers)
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KEEP CONTACT
WINTER WISE
15
antrim.gov.uk/winterwise
016
Antrim Civic Centre
50 Stiles Way
Antrim, BT41 2UB
T. 028 9446 3113 F. 028 9448 1324
OPERATION SNOWBALL
www.antrim.gov.uk
WINTER WISE © 01/2014 Antrim Borough Council
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