National Grid has launched 'Safer Homes Week '(7-11 February 2011) after shocking results found that almost 80% of over 50s think old people are not looked after well enough in the UK.

National Grid is urging families to run checks to make sure their elderly relatives are safe, with the research showing many older people are living in potentially dangerous homes.

National Grid have teamed up with RoSPA to launch Safer Homes Week, to raise safety awareness for the elderly. A few simple actions can make an older person feel safer at home and show that we do care.

We are asking people to do three things for an elderly relative.

• make sure their gas appliances are checked on an annual basis
• ensure they know to call the national gas emergency number 0800 111 999 if they smell gas
• install a carbon monoxide alarm and a smoke detector
  

These are small gestures but can have an enormous impact and can save lives.

The survey found that nearly a third of over 50s have not had their gas boiler serviced in the last year, which is the recommended time frame. One in ten don’t have a working smoke alarm fitted in their home, while nearly a fifth have loose fitted carpet, which can cause falls and accidents. Over half of those surveyed don’t have a working, audible carbon monoxide alarm, while 8% were unaware of the symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning.

For further media information only, please contact National Grid media relations:
Stephanie van Rosse on 01455 231131 or 07767 337343.