QUESTION 1
I've heard somewhere that my elderly mother could get a password so that she can be sure that the person coming to read her electricity meter is genuine. Where can I get the information?
ANSWER 1
Energywatch provides several free services for people who are
- of pensionable age
- have a disability
- have long term ill health
- are blind or visually impaired
They include the password protection scheme, moving meters to make them easier to reach or read, free gas safety checks, special help if your gas supply is disrupted, advance notice if your electricity supply has to be interrupted and special controls and adapters.
Further details of this energywatch scheme can be found here.
QUESTION 2
Does the Sedlescombe Neighbourhood Watch group still offer home security advice and free fitting of security equipment?
ANSWER 2
YES. Subject to availability of funds, this service continues to be offered. Please contact Ralph or Jean Dellow on 01424 870223.
QUESTION 3
My father is a smoker and I am worried that he doesn't have any smoke alarms in his house. Is there any service provided to help elderly people like him?
ANSWER 3
YES. Local fire service personnel will make an appointment to visit homes and discuss specific fire safety issues. They will ensure that there are working smoke alarm(s) and, if there are not, they may supply 10-year smoke alarms without charge. For a FREE visit, ring 0800 177 7069 or, if you prefer, contact any member of the NHW committee who will make an appointment for you. For further details see the East Sussex Fire & Rescue Service website.
QUESTION 4
I would like to mark my son's bike in case it is stolen. Is there somewhere locally that this can be done?
ANSWER 4
YES. The Sedlescombe Neighbourhood Watch Group have an engraving appliance which can be borrowed, free of charge. Just contact Reg Glew on 01424 870258.
QUESTION 5
My favourite old aunt is getting very frail. Is there a local Lifeline arrangement?
ANSWER 5
YES. Rother Lifeline provides an emergency alarm service for people in their own homes to enable them to retain their independence. Further details can be found. In Sedlescombe, the Neighbourhood Watch Group will pay the installation charge and the first month's rent. Contact Ralph or Jean Dellow on 01424 870223.
QUESTION 6
When is it OK to phone "999"?
ANSWER 6
The advice from the Police is that you should ring 999 if you can, at the moment, see or hear a crime being committed. But also ring 999 if there is an unexpected caller on your doorstep or in your garden and you are worried and feel threatened.
On the other hand, if you decide to report later that you have had an unwelcome caller to your house or you want to report a crime or incident that has taken place in the past, please use the 0845 60 70 999 number.
If you are worried about giving your name, you can ring 0800 555 111 and speak to Crime Stoppers.
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