news
Thursday 8 May 2014
31
Gas heater services crucial FOUR years after her young sons died from carbon monoxide poisoning from a faulty gas heater, Shepparton mother Vanessa Robinson urged Victorians to not become complacent about servicing gas heaters. She joined with Energy Safe Victoria to launch Carbon Monoxide Awareness Week in Melbourne’s Bourke Street Mall last week. For the second year running Energy Safe Victoria and Ms Robinson’s Chase and Tyler Foundation are campaigning to raise awareness of the risk posed by gas heaters and urge Victorians to take action to protect themselves and their families. After the May 2010 deaths of Ms Robinson’s
six and eight-year-old sons from carbon monoxide poisoning caused by a faulty gas heater in their Shepparton home, the bereaved mother said regular servicing is the most reliable way to detect whether a gas heater may be leaking odourless, colourless and potentially fatal carbon monoxide. “After my children died of carbon monoxide poisoning many Victorians got their gas heaters serviced but that was four years ago – I don’t want people to become complacent so I’m reminding them that it’s not a one-off thing. Make it a regular habit so you don’t experience a tragedy like mine.� Victoria’s Director of Energy Safety Paul Fearon said Energy Safe Victoria recommends
regular servicing a minimum of every two years by a registered gasfitter to protect against carbon monoxide poisoning, which is otherwise undetectable and can cause chronic illness or death. “As the weather turns cold people will be turning their gas heaters on and it’s vital that they are working properly and have been recently serviced by a gasfitter,� Mr Fearon said. “Find a gasfitter in your local area and when you book a service, make sure they are reputable and ask whether they have the equipment to check for carbon monoxide emissions. “If they can’t do it properly find somebody else who can.
“Whether your gas heater is brand new or an older model, you need to make a habit of arranging a regular service because it’s the only way to be sure that your appliance is safe.� The two-yearly servicing recommendation applies to all types of gas heaters including central heating units, wall and space heaters. ESV and The Chase and Tyler Foundation will be visiting shopping centres around Melbourne throughout Carbon Monoxide Awareness Week to hand out free information and talk directly with householders about regular servicing of appliances. More information can be found at esv.vic.gov.au and chaseandtyler.org.au.
Simply Helping Geelong and Barwon services have local touch A NEW community in-home care and support service for the Geelong and Barwon region has a strong local connnection. Simply Helping’s husband-and-wife team Harvey and Bridget Lang share a passion for both family and the local community, having moved to Torquay in 2010 for the great coastal lifestyle. “Bridget and I have been helping communities and people all our lives,� Harvey said. “Before my parents passed away we were able to access in-home care for them. This was extremely important as it enabled them to stay at home and together for as long as possible. Now Simply Helping is here in Geelong and Barwon and offers the same peace of mind.� Bridget is a registered nurse, while Harvey, who coached Australian Rules Football at various
levels for 15 years, has owned several businesses. Simply Helping is an in-home care and support service, working with people and families living with a disability, senior members requiring inhome assistance and those requiring help following hospitalisation and other in-home services as a lifestyle choice. With the ageing population there is great potential for Simply Helping to respond to the increasing need for community in-home care and support services as well as to offer employment to local and qualified carers. Simply Helpings services include home help, disability care, personal and respite care, babysitting, pet walking and home and garden maintenance. For a detailed prospectus of services, or general enquiries, contact Harvey on 5261 4808.
Simply Helping husband and wife team Harvey and Bridget Lang.
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IN-HOME CARE AND SUPPORT SERVICE YOUR LOCAL PROVIDER FOR GEELONG & BARWON TEL: 03 5261 4808 AH: 0419 533 062 EMAIL: geelongbarwon@simplyhelping.com.au
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www.simplyhelping.com.au