With temperatures struggling to get above freezing this week, West Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service is urging people to be extra careful in the cold.
People out enjoying the winter scenery should take care around ponds, lakes and waterways and NEVER be tempted to step onto frozen water to play, feed birds or rescue stranded pets.
The cold weather will also mean people dust off their old heaters and electric blankets to keep warm.
West Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service is urging people to take extra care during the cold snap.
ACO Craig McIntosh, Director of Fire Safety, said: “Winter has well and truly arrived this week, so we want to make sure people look after themselves and look out for friends, relatives and neighbours.
“Please keep dogs on leads when walking near frozen waterways and, no matter how tempting it may seem, never venture onto the ice. You will be putting your own life at risk and the lives of the firefighters who are called to rescue you.”
WYFRS offers the following advice during this cold snap:
Fires and heaters
- Ensure that your electric heaters are properly maintained and in full working order
- Always use a fire guard to protect an open fire against flying sparks and hot embers and make sure embers are under control and properly put out before you go out or go to bed
- Keep portable heaters away from curtains and furniture and never use them for drying clothes. Always unplug electric heaters when you go out and go to bed
Electric blankets
- Electric blankets can help you keep warm during the cold nights, but fires can be devastating
- Never use hot water bottles in the same bed as an electric blanket, even if the blanket is switched off
- Unplug blankets before you get into bed, unless they have a thermostat control for safe all-night use
- Don’t leave electric blankets folded as this damages the internal wiring. Store them flat or rolled up instead
Candles
- Candles may also be used more to lighten up the dark evenings. As with open fires, a naked flame brings risks if not treated carefully. You should make sure that candles are secured in a proper holder, and away from materials that may catch fire, like curtains. It’s also very important that candles are put out completely when you leave the room or go to bed
-Never leave children alone with lit candles
Road safety
- By slowing down and driving to the weather conditions collisions and incidents can be avoided
- Take extra care on untreated roads. Black ice is impossible to see and can cause serious injuries
- Is your journey really necessary? If you have to make the journey, go prepared with an emergency kit and warm clothing. Check the weather forecast before you travel
-Be careful where you park your cars overnight and be mindful that they do not cause an obstruction to emergency vehicles
Frozen waterways
- People should take extra care around ponds, lakes and waterways. Although a brisk walk along a stretch of Britain’s 2,2000mile network of canals and rivers can seem attractive, towpaths, bridges and locksides can be particularly slippery at this time of year
- Walkers should NEVER be tempted to stray onto frozen water to play, feed birds or even rescue stranded pets. Children should never play by the waterside
- You would put your own life at risk trying to rescue the animal and the lives of firefighters called to rescue them. Ensure dogs are kept on leads at all times
- There is no such thing as safe ice
Remember to test your smoke alarms every week. Working smoke alarms save lives!
For further advice please visit www.westyorksfire.gov.uk
