Safety

Long summer days mean sunbathing, sizzling barbeques and pottering in the garden. Although electricity makes gardening much easier, wet conditions and contact with the ground means that the risk of injury or death from electric shock is much greater than the risk from using electrical equipment indoors. Read Electrical Safety First’s tips to ensure that the only thing sizzling this summer will be the sausages!

Although electricity makes gardening much easier, wet conditions and contact with the ground means that the risk of injury or death from electric shock is much greater than the risk from using electrical equipment indoors.

Electricity and water don’t mix, so whether it’s pouring from the heavens or there’s still dew on the ground, don’t use electrical equipment outdoors until it is dry.

By following simple safety rules every time you work in the garden, you can easily avoid a serious accident. (more…)

Kent Fire and Rescue Service were called to a fire involving a garden shed in Westbrook Avenue, Margate at 2.48am. Two fire engines were sent to the property and arrived to find the shed fully involved in fire.

Firefighters wore breathing apparatus and used two hose reels to extinguish the blaze, which destroyed the shed and its contents, including children’s garden toys. A thermal scan of the property and surrounding properties was also carried out to check for hot spots.

The blaze is thought to have been started, after the occupant put what he thought were cold barbecue coals into a plastic bag. He left the bag close to the garden shed, which caught alight as the coals continued smouldering.

Margate Watch Manager, Gary Miller, said: “Unfortunately, coals and ashes that seem cold on the surface may still be hot deep inside. Have a look at our website for more safety tips to help keep your home and family safe around
barbecues www.kent.fire-uk.org/your-safety/home-safety/what-are-the-risks/barbecues/ and
bonfires www.kent.fire-uk.org/your-safety/home-safety/what-are-the-risks/bonfires-and-fireworks/

“We’re all hoping that summer and some warmer weather will be with us soon, so we can enjoy barbecues in the garden, but please make sure safety is a key ingredient. Always dispose of ashes and coals carefully. Douse them with water, put them into a metal container and once cool, empty them onto bare soil, not into a plastic bin.”

The fire also caused superficial damage to plastic fascia board on a double garage and wooden fence panels at a neighbouring property.

Gary ended: “Fortunately, we arrived just in time to prevent further fire spread to a timber framed double garage which is under construction.”

Kent Fire and Rescue Service 07 May 2017
www.kent.fire-uk.org/news/news-releases/may-2017/cool-your-coals-advice-from-firefighters/

As the weather warms up and we begin to spend more time outside, it’s important to
remember to keep the family safe – protecting those we love the most.

Take the time to think about safety and the risks involved in all activities.

Just a simple reminder about safety can make the difference between family time full of great memories instead of memories you’d rather forget. A few small changes can ensure we all have fun in the sun without putting our loved ones at risk.

Learn with the Byrnes – to keep your family safe

(more…)

Kent Fire and Rescue Service is asking people to be extra careful not to start fires in woodlands and vegetation after several large incidents that damaged the countryside, and tied up firefighting resources yesterday (29 March).

Incidents included a large fire in woodland in West Blean last night that destroyed two hectares of shrubs, bushes and trees. Four fire engines and an all-terrain vehicle were required and crews spent over two and a half hours battling a multi-seated fire using a cold-cutting firefighting system and flexi packs.

Earlier in the day, three fire engines and an all-terrain vehicle were sent to fire in a large area of cleared woodland in Bekesbourne. Crews spent over two hours putting out the blaze and preventing further fire spread. Elsewhere, crews tackled a blaze in trees and shrubs in woodland near Lordswood, and a log store and conifer trees alight in Selling. (more…)