Posted: Friday 26 May 2023, 11:30
With warm weather forecast for the bank holiday weekend and many making plans for the half term break, Derbyshire Fire & Rescue Service would like to remind everyone to take extra care and to follow our top tips for staying safe.
Be Moor Aware
Derbyshire has some beautiful countryside which supports a thriving ecosystem of plants and animals. In order to protect this from the devastation of fire, we ask that people be aware of our precious moorland areas and follow the below advice:
- Don’t throw/discard cigarettes out of car windows. Ensure they are extinguished and disposed of properly.
- Don’t leave glass bottles lying around – the sun can magnify through the glass causing a fire.
- DO NOT take BBQs into the open countryside/moorlands. Public Space Protection Orders ban their use in many areas of the Peak District.
- Take rubbish home or dispose of it responsibly.
Water Safety
Water may look safe, but it can be dangerous. Learn to spot and keep away from dangers. You may swim well in a warm indoor pool, but that does not mean that you will be able to swim in cold water. The dangers of water include:
- Very cold temperatures
- Hidden Currents
- Fast flowing water, beware of locks and weirs
- Deep water, it can be difficult to estimate the depth
- There may be hidden rubbish or debris under the surface that can trap, snag or cut
- It can be difficult to get out, banks can be steep, slimy and crumble away
- No lifeguards, most outdoors waterways do not have lifeguards
- Water pollution may make you ill
In July 2021, Thando Ndlovu drowned in the River Trent while swimming with friends near Swarkestone Bridge.
DFRS recently worked with the 15-year-old's parents to produce a video titled 'Thando's Story'. The film aims to raise awareness of the dangers of jumping or swimming in any open water, something that may seem enticing during the hot weather, but can have catastrophic consequences.
You can watch 'Thando's Story' here.
Barbeques at home
If you’re planning a barbeque at home, please take extra fire safety precautions. The warm weather can make your garden tinder dry, and the slightest stray spark could cause a fire to spread to your home.
- Ensure your barbeque is situated away from your home, fences, sheds, garage, and any overhanding trees or shrubs.
- Keep a connected hose pipe or bucket of water on hand for emergencies.
- Let hot coals cool on bare soil before throwing them away. Never put them into a wheelie bin!
- Don’t leave the barbeque unattended! Be extra vigilant during such extreme dry weather.
Controlled Burns/Garden Fire
- Consider an alternative way of disposing of your rubbish
- Contact Fire Control on 01332 861800 if you are planning a controlled burn
- Keep fires away from sheds, fences, shrubs and overhanging trees
- Never light your fire with petrol, paraffin or any other accelerant
- Keep a bucket of water, sand or hose pipe nearby.
Deliberate Fires
Deliberate fires destroy communities. Be a FireStopper. Tell us what you know 100% anonymously. Call 0800 169 5558 or visit www.firestoppersreport.co.uk
Prevention Station Manager Nic Lacey said: "We want everyone to enjoy the bank holiday and half term break away from school, especially given the current warm weather forecast, but with this comes an increase in the risk of an emergency occurring.
"I’d therefore ask everyone to take a minute and read through our top tips for staying safe outdoors, whether that be at home or in the Derbyshire countryside."