Public urged to enjoy the warm weather safely

We’re urging people to enjoy the weather safely ahead of a hot week forecast in Staffordshire.

Lots of people will be enjoying the sun in a number of different ways, from barbecues with family and friends, walks across popular beauty spots or getting their gardens ready for the summer.

Head of Prevent and Protect, Ian Read, said: “We’re not here to spoil the fun for anyone during the warmer weather, but we want people to make sure they enjoy themselves safely across Staffordshire.

“Warm and dry periods like this greatly increase the risk and severity of outdoor fires. Preventing these fires from happening in the first place, or preventing someone from jumping into open water to cool off, could be the difference between life and death.”

We are reminding people to:

• Never use barbeques or campfires in the countryside as they can easily spread
• Never leave a barbeque unattended, especially when there are children or pets around
• If you are having a barbeque in your garden make sure it is well away from sheds, fences, trees, shrubs or garden waste
• Only light a barbecue with appropriate fuels – never use petrol or white spirit
• If you’re in charge of the cooking, don’t drink alcohol
• Speak to young people about the dangers of starting outdoor fires deliberately. What might seem like a bit a fun can quickly escalate out of control and can have a catastrophic effect on people, wildlife, the environment and emergency services
• Don’t burn garden waste, particularly toxic and flammable items

Anyone planning on burning waste should inform our Fire Control team so they can note the details to avoid sending a fire engine unnecessarily, as sometimes neighbours spot smoke and presume there is a fire they need to report.

We’re also calling on parents and guardians to speak to young people about the dangers of going into open water.

Whilst it might be tempting to swim in open water such as canals, rivers and lakes to cool off, they can be extremely dangerous as if you get into trouble, there are no lifeguards to help you. The water is often a lot colder than you expect, there might be hidden currents and it is difficult to estimate how deep water is before you get in.

If you see another person in trouble in water, do not enter yourself, raise the alarm and throw anything that will float to them.

If you fall into water by accident, lean back and extend your arms and legs. This will help you float until you can control your breathing. Only then, call for help, swim to safety or continue floating until help arrives.

The What3Words app can be used to report a precise location in an emergency. It’s free and easy to download by visiting Download the free what3words app | what3words

For more safety tips, visit our website here: Safety outside