Mobility scooter users in the Waitaki district are being urged to keep batteries charged at all times, and elderly users reminded that help is on hand if they get into difficulty in icy or snowy conditions.
Age Concern Waitaki co-ordinator Wayne Stringer said although no problems had been reported regarding the ability of mobility scooter users to get around during recent snowfalls, he reminded users that backup was always available if there was an issue.
He added that the organisation could reach most people in the district over the age of 65 years of age who called to say they needed help.
''We always have a backup system.''
Mr Stringer said about 600 people were informed before the snowfall last month that they should contact Age Concern if they had trouble.
''What we did do was get the four-wheel-drive club on stand-by with some of our members with four-wheel-drives. We tried to make it plain to people that if they did have problems or needed to go out to give us a call.''
The Meals on Wheels service was also unaffected by the severe weather, he said.
Battery Auto Electrical Ltd co-owner Lena Klenner said mobility scooter users should take standard precautions to ensure scooters worked in harsh weather conditions. Users should ensure the light was on so motor vehicles could spot them, and keep the battery charged.
''The charger that comes with the scooter shuts off automatically when they are charged.
''A lot of old people think they are wasting power by leaving it on all the time, but the charger cuts out automatically - it doesn't use power.''
However, electrical connections could be eroded by dampness if the scooter was left uncovered, she said.
''It's just all these essential things and to make sure their tyres are at the correct inflation level and have enough tread.''
