Council reminds home owners to "stay safe" this spring

by Gráinne Connolly

Fermanagh and Omagh Council has compiled a list of tips for local people in the district to prevent accidents from happening in the home, especially where there's children living. 

A council spokesperson said: 

"Now that spring has sprung, thoughts turn to freshening up our homes with a good spring clean.

"As the dusters come out it’s also an opportunity to think about how secure the furniture is that we are cleaning. 

"Are large items like bookcases, chests of drawers, wardrobes and flat screen TVs secure? 

"Could a child trying to reach something or climbing cause it to topple over and crush them?  Is the furniture overloaded making it top heavy?" 

The following tips will ensure that those normal every day tasks can be carried out in a safe manner and will reduce the risks of avoidable accidents from happening: 

• Distribute items stored in or on furniture like book cases or chests of drawers, keeping heavier items lower down. 
   
• Ensure that tall, heavy furniture is secured to the wall with a bracket or tether meaning that they cannot topple over - TV straps can be fixed to the back of the TV with the other end screwed to the wall so that it cannot fall if it is accidentally bumped into. 
   
• When reaching up to dust the top of tall furniture and curtain rails for example, ensure that you are working on a stable platform to avoid falls (Use a securely located step ladder rather than climbing on chairs to reach up high)
   
• When using cleaning chemicals around the home follow the instructions carefully and make sure children cannot reach them - When finished, ensure that all cleaning chemicals are stored away out of reach of children in a high level locked cupboard along with all other ‘everyday use’ chemicals such as bleach, disinfectants, dishwasher/washing machine liquitabs and powders. 
   
• Never transfer chemicals into other containers, keep them in their original packaging to avoid spillage, accidental misuse and ensure that they are easily identified and the correct safety advice and instructions are always available. 
   
• Now may also be a good time to check medicine boxes or cupboards for out of date medicines and prescriptions that are no longer needed.  These should be disposed of by taking them to your local pharmacy.

The Chairman of Fermanagh and Omagh District Council, Councillor Stephen McCann said:

“Fermanagh and Omagh District Council Home Assessment Officers visit homes and carry out assessments on issues around home safety, security and energy efficiency. 

"Officers will provide advice on simple steps that can be taken to reduce the risk of accidents occurring in the home, and, where applicable, issue home safety equipment "