With South Australians subjected to continued heatwave conditions, Red Cross has announced an immediate expansion of its Telecross welfare call service to assist the most vulnerable.
In the wake of the current heatwave South Australians are being urged to register any vulnerable friend or family member to receive a Red Cross Telecross call to check on their welfare, especially the elderly living alone or people living in isolated areas.
'We are very worried by the fact that so many people all over South Australia are living by themselves, often with very few connections to the community, and are elderly, frail and/or have chronic health problems,' says Kerry Symons, Executive Director Red Cross in South Australia.
'We ask anybody who may be worried about a neighbour, friend or family member at risk to phone 1800 246 850 and register them to receive the Telecross service.'
A trained Red Cross volunteer will then phone the registered person three times a day, seven days a week to check on their wellbeing, and provide practical advice about how to keep safe during extreme weather conditions.
If at any time the call is not answered, this will trigger immediate emergency procedures to check on the person's welfare.
The service is available throughout the state and includes country and metropolitan residents.
'We are particularly concerned that rural and regional South Australians are especially vulnerable, due to often harsher weather conditions. It is critical that our regional communities are not forgotten in this heatwave,' Ms Symons said.
'Simply dial 1800 246 850 between 7.30am and 9pm to register for the service, or email sainfo@redcross.org.au at any time.'
These arrangements will be in place for as long as they are required at no cost to recipients. Any elderly or vulnerable person living alone can opt to keep receiving the Telecross service once the heatwave conditions have abated.
If emergency assistance is required at anytime, residents are advised to call 000 immediately.
The expansion of the Red Cross Telecross service is in collaboration with the South Australian Government's Emergency Management response.
More information (media)
For more information or to arrange an interview with Kerry Symons, contact:
Peter Rochman, Red Cross Communications on 0405 322 233 or,
Clinton Jury, General Manager Business & Corporate Development on 0407 729 470.
