Posted: Friday 29 May 2020, 18:35
Derbyshire Fire & Rescue Service is reissuing a call for people to act sensibly, stay alert and to stay safe during the warmer weather.
Heading into another hot weekend, the Service is reminding people to take extra care amid fears that the warmer weather could cause a surge in emergency incidents across Derbyshire and a rise in the number of people travelling into the county to a quarry in Buxton.
Area Manager Clive Stanbrook said: “As we head into another hot weekend we really want people to stay safe, whether at home, or venturing out for exercise.
“The incidents that we traditionally associate with hot weather relate to barbecue safety, the burning of garden waste, water safety and an increased risk of wildfires; but everyone can take steps to prevent an incident and keep safe by following some simple safety advice.”
This weekend the Service is particularly concerned about water safety and people travelling to a Buxton quarry.
AM Stanbrook went onto say: “Derbyshire has many open water ways, with quarries across Derbyshire a tempting place to enjoy a day trip, but any open water is dangerous and a risk to people’s safety through drowning.
“A particular quarry in Buxton has attracted visitors from across the UK due to its picturesque setting and blue water. This blue colour comes from toxic deposits seeping from the quarry stone, so the water is anything but lovely. It is toxic, full of hidden dangers such as animal carcasses and rotting cars and it’s so cold that even the strongest swimmer can get into trouble and be at risk of drowning.
“Working alongside our local resilience partners we have been looking at how we can deter people from visiting this dangerous site at Hoffman quarry, so the water has now been dyed black to reflect the dangers it contains, new signage has been put in place to highlight the dangers and parking restrictions have been imposed in the local area. Please keep away and stay safe.
With further dry weather leaving ground and vegetation extremely dry, the Service is also reissuing its call for people to take extra care if having a barbecue, reconsider having a controlled burn of garden waste and to ensure rubbish and cigarettes are disposed of responsibly to prevent a wild fire and fire in the open.
Area Manager Stanbrook went onto appeal to people to follow the Service’s advice to ensure everyone stays safe and that they enjoy the hot weather responsibly, saying: “Please take a minute to read our advice and ensure, you and your family stay safe.”
Barbecue Safety
- Make sure your barbecue is well away from sheds, fences, shrubs or garden waste.
- Only use enough charcoal to cover the base of the barbecue.
- Ensure the barbecue is cool before moving it.
- Empty the ashes onto bare garden soil and not into wheelie bins as burning embers could cause a fire.
- Don't drink if you are in charge of the barbecue.
- Never use petrol or paraffin to start or revive your barbecue; use only recognised lighters or starter fuels on cold coals.
Wildfire Prevention
- Discard rubbish responsibly – take it home, or put it in a bin.
- Discard used cigarettes responsibly.
- Do not have a barbecue in the open – save them for home, in the garden and follow our safety advice.
Controlled Burn/Say No to a Garden Fire Pledge
Make a pledge not to have a garden fire during the pandemic here. You will be supporting your firefighters across Derbyshire, and people with respiratory illnesses.
Water Safety - 263 people accidently drowned in the UK in 2018
- Stay away from Hoffman Quarry in Buxton
- Keep out of the water – no matter how strong a swimmer you are.
- Water temperatures remain low, even when it’s hot.
- Cold water will cause your body to go into shock, causing your heart rate to rise, your muscles to cramp and it makes you gasp for breath. This quickly leads to panic and disorientation.
- For further information about keeping safe, visit www.derbys-fire.gov.uk alternatively follow or like @DerbyshireFRS on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.