Derbyshire Fire & Rescue Service issues advice to stay safe during current heatwave

Derbyshire Fire & Rescue Service is urging people to act sensibly, stay alert and stay safe during the heatwave.

As temperatures continue to rise, the Service is reminding everyone to take extra care amid concerns the weather could cause a rise in emergency incidents across the county.

The warning comes as both an amber Met Office weather warning for extreme heat and a red UK Health Security Agency heat-health alert remain in place until Thursday night (25 June).

Station Manager Paul Cockerton said: “With the hot weather set to continue over the coming days, we’re asking everyone to take extra care and think about the impact their actions could have on their own safety and that of others.

“High temperatures and prolonged dry conditions can significantly increase the risk of fires in the open. What may seem like a small spark from a barbecue, disposable barbecue, discarded cigarette or garden bonfire can quickly spread and lead to a serious incident.

“We’re also urging people to be aware of the dangers of open water. While rivers, lakes and reservoirs may look inviting during hot weather, the water remains cold and there could be hidden hazards beneath the surface.

“Whether spending time in the garden or visiting one of Derbyshire’s open spaces, please enjoy the warm weather safely by following our advice, taking sensible precautions and helping us prevent avoidable incidents over the coming days.”

Water Safety
No matter how warm it is, resist the urge to swim or jump into open water such as quarries, lakes, reservoirs, and rivers.

• Cold water shock can cause muscle cramps and breathing difficulties and quickly lead to drowning.
• Hidden debris and rocks can cause you to get trapped.
• Float to Live – if you do find yourself in difficulty in the water, float to live. If you can’t swim to safety, float on your back with your arms and legs out like a star and shout for help.
• Never enter the water to help someone else in difficulty. Call 999 immediately.

Barbecue Safety

• Keep the barbecue away from overhanging trees/shrubs and away from sheds, garages, the home and any pet enclosures.
• Never use petrol or accelerants to light the barbecue.
• If using a disposable barbecue, place it on a hard, fire proof surface – never on dry grass.
• Place hot coals onto bare earth to cool down and never put them into a wheelie bin, or other bin that could catch fire. Consider the safe disposal of one-use barbecues.
• Keep a bucket of water or hose pipe on hand in case of an emergency.

Moorland/Countryside Safety 
Officials ask that people be aware of our precious moorland and outdoor spaces and follow the advice below:

• 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.
• Don’t take portable BBQs or gas stoves into the countryside/moorlands. Portable BBQs are banned in many areas of the Peak District – pack a picnic instead.
• Take rubbish home or dispose of it responsibly.

If a fire should break out: 

• Call 999 and ask for the fire service
• Give the exact location and if necessary, a map reference.
• If this is not possible, a landmark such as a farm or pub will help them locate you.

If you discover a fire: 

• Do not be tempted to investigate.
• Leave the area as quickly as possible and call 999 and ask for the fire and rescue service.
• Do not return unless the fire and rescue service tells you that it is safe to do so.

What3words
Be prepared and download the What3words app, which divides the whole world into 3m x 3m squares giving each a unique set of three words.

The app can help emergency services quickly locate you in an emergency in hard-to-describe locations.

For more information about keeping safe outdoors, visit: www.derbys-fire.gov.uk/safety/outdoor-safety.