Greater Shepparton City Council's Director Community, Kaye Thomson, says it is a timely reminder with Carbon Monoxide Awareness Week that clients think about getting smoke detectors and gas heaters checked before the cooler weather sets in.
"Regular inspection and maintenance to heating sources is one way to reduce both the risk of house fires and raise awareness of carbon monoxide poisoning," said Ms Thomson. "The service can assist those that are frail aged and/or have disabilities to identify a faulty appliance before use."
"Local contractors are engaged to provide maintenance checks and basic service to gas, electric and wood fired heating sources. This also includes monitoring of carbon monoxide levels. Council funding covers the cost of the inspection and service but any repairs are at the client's cost and are negotiated between the client and the contractor. The client is free to choose another contractor if they wish to complete any repairs," she said.
"The Home Safety Program is an important part of the Home and Community Care (HACC) program which was expanded several years ago to focus on heater safety checks for eligible clients who request the service, following the tragic deaths of Chase and Tyler Robinson."
Greater Shepparton City Council won a Fire Safety Award in 2012 for the RACV sponsored category "Community: Aged and Disability".
Greater Shepparton City Council clients who would like to enquire about having their heater checked can contact the Home and Community Care team on 5832 9700.
