Stay home, save lives and stay safe this Bank holiday weekend

We’re expecting good weather this weekend, and it’s understandable that you might want to enjoy it by having a barbecue.

If you can do this from your own garden or outdoor space, in line with social distancing, and without impacting on other households, then there are some key safety messages that our firefighters are keen to share with you.

Joanne Cook, Head of Community Safety, said: “While we’re still here to respond to incidents when you need us most, our firefighters would rather not be your uninvited guests, especially during this period of social distancing.

“Our crews are working this weekend to keep you safe, but you can do your bit and follow the safety tips we’ve provided below to help keep them safe too.”

• Make sure your barbecue is sited well away from sheds, fences, trees, shrubs or garden waste.
• Use enough charcoal to cover the base of the barbecue, but not more.
• If you live in a flat, do not use a barbecue on a balcony, if a fire develops it could spread to neighbouring balconies and flats.
• Follow the safety instructions provided with disposable barbecues.
• Do not use a barbecue indoors.
• Do not leave a lit barbecue unattended.
• Keep children, pets and garden games away from the cooking area.
• Always keep a bucket of water, sand or a garden hose nearby for emergencies.
• Enjoy yourself, but do not drink too much alcohol if you are in charge of the barbecue.
• After cooking, make sure the barbecue is cool before moving it.
• Empty ashes onto bare garden soil, not into dustbins or wheelie bins. Hot ash can melt a plastic bin or cause a fire.

If you can’t stay home to have your barbecue, please don’t be tempted to take it out to parks or woodland. As well as being a potential fire hazard after the dry weather we have had, the Government restrictions remain in place to help stop the spread of Coronavirus.

Our Thames Valley Partners, including Buckinghamshire Council: www.buckinghamshire.gov.uk/news/buckinghamshire-council-offers-ideas-residents-how-have-enjoyable-safe-easter-weekend/ and Thames Valley Police (@ThamesVP), will be providing ideas for things to keep you busy, at home, over this Easter Bank Holiday weekend.

You could also use the time to check in on our home safety advice hub at: bucksfire.gov.uk/safety-category/at-home/ for lots of additional tips to make sure you, and our crews, all stay safe as we  #StayHomeSave Lives