OFTEC Ireland, Age Action, and Kathleen Lynch, Minister of State with responsibility for Older People, have launched a free guide offering key advice to help older people using oil home heating to stay safe and warm throughout the winter period.
The guide, which is being distributed throughout Ireland, was created by OFTEC, which represents the domestic oil heating and cooking industry in Ireland, in conjunction with Age Action. Following the success of the campaign last year, Minister Lynch is once again lending her support to highlight the important issue of excess winter deaths and raise awareness of how those at greatest risk can keep safe and warm this winter.
Minister Lynch said: “With harsh winters posing a very serious threat to the health and wellbeing of older people across Ireland, it’s essential that older people know what they can do to keep their fuel bills low and stay warm and well over the winter months. I’m pleased to once again support this guide which not only provides money-saving tips, advice on energy efficiency and oil tank security, but also information on heating payments and schemes for older people. It also contains useful phone numbers and general guidance on staying warm and is a must-have reference guide for all older people throughout Ireland.”
Age Action will be distributing the guide throughout its network of offices and shops. Alternatively, a digital copy is available to download from both the OFTEC and Age Action websites.
OFTEC is also working with Age Action to provide community information sessions on how to stay safe and warm this winter and save money through Age Action Ireland’s Lifelong Learning groups. The sessions will provide first-hand advice and personal guidance on how to keep warm efficiently this winter, with a Q&A opportunity and tips on household energy saving from OFTEC representatives.
For more information visit www.ageaction.ie, www.oftec.org or www.oilsave.org To find your nearest registered technician visit www.oftec.org/Consumers/FindTechnician
