Soroptimists learn about home safety

He informed the group that approximately 77,000 people go to Accident and Emergency in Northern Ireland per year and 7,000 will have been due to home accidents. Last year 49 people were killed on the roads, but 89 died of home accidents not including fires.

One of the biggest causes of accidents in the home are coffee tables - it’s better falling to the floor than hitting the table on the way down. Another cause of slips, trips and falls are floor mats, these can be replaced by the home safety officer with a non-slip version for anybody over 65, plus other labour saving devices such as long handless shoe horns, lid openers, touch lamps, tablet organisers and 32 inch long handed grippers.

For first time parents, equipment such as stair gates, fire guards and bath mats can also be provided.

Last year Mr Adam’s also held a slipper amnesty (replacing worn out slippers), and an electric blanket testing day which resulted in a staggering 85 per cent of all blankets tested were faulty and replaced with a new one free of charge.

Also provided are carbon monoxide detectors which have been supplied by the Gis A Hug Foundation [www.gisahugfoundation.co.uk]

In closing his talk Mr Adams stated anybody wishing to have a free referral can contact Home Accident Prevention at Riada House, Ballymoney; Tel: 028 276 60257.

Supper was then served and Mr Adams thanked for such an informative meeting which brought the evening to a close.