Residents are encouraged to be careful when travelling around the borough as the days are quickly becoming shorter and colder weather is just around the corner.
Now that the clocks have gone back, it is a ‘timely’ reminder for residents to think about safety and for households to check their smoke alarms and other tasks that need attention. This also means it is important for residents to make sure they are visible, no matter how they are travelling around the borough.
Safety reminders for kids
With children leaving school at dusk, it is a good idea for them to wear some form of lighter coloured outerwear to contrast the darkness or perhaps consider jackets, windbreakers or rucksacks that incorporate portions of reflective material on the outer shell.
Darker clothing tends to blend in well with road asphalt and when the road conditions are wet, a child, or adult, can become almost invisible due to the glare from ambient lighting or vehicle headlights. Bear in mind that as important as it is for a pedestrian to have the ability to see ahead of them, it is equally important for approaching motorists or cyclists to see that person walking on or near the road.
Leave a light on when leaving home
Residents should also be mindful to leave a light on when not at home and consider investing in timer switches particularly for those who arrive home in the dark. Also with the festive season rapidly approaching, many will be buying gifts. Do ensure they are not left on display in vehicles or in homes. These measures including sensor lights and ‘welcome lights’ at the front of properties are also excellent deterrents to potential burglars.
The police have also outlined a number of ways Londoners can protect their homes throughout the festive period at a time when there’s an increase in burglaries. Read their advice via news.met.police.uk.
This is also a timely reminder for elderly residents to keep warm throughout this period and make sure their contacts are up to date in case of an emergency. Energy efficiency is key to limiting the cost of rising energy bills, increasing comfort and health in our homes. Read our feature on Healthy Homes Ealing.
Free flu jabs are offered to adults over the age of 18 at risk of flu (including everyone aged 65 and over), pregnant women and children aged six months to two years at risk of flu. Visit www.nhs.uk to find out more.
Staying safe and healthy in winter is vital
Councillor Ranjit Dheer, cabinet member for safety, culture and community services, said: “It’s important for residents, especially the elderly, to be careful when the sun goes down and take extra care when out walking.
“The number of break-ins is decreasing across the borough; however we want to help residents reduce their chances of being a victim by reminding them how they can protect their homes. Simple measures like locking your doors, garages and windows, hiding your valuables and using a light timer can help deter burglars from targeting your house.”
For further information and tips about preparing for the colder months, visit www.nhs.uk/LiveWell and www.ageuk.org.uk/information-advice
