As lockdown restrictions ease this weekend, Humberside Fire and Rescue Service and partner agencies are asking the public to have a safe and enjoyable weekend and be extra aware of two types of incident which are usually linked with alcohol consumption.
Water Safety
During recent hot spells, HFRS has repeatedly warned of the dangers of open water. Cold water shock can be fatal in rivers, docks or reservoirs.
Whilst the temperatures may not reach the highs of last month, which should reduce the temptation to ‘cool off’ in open water, there is an increased risk of falling into mud or water from footpaths or bridges when on a night out.
The latest figures available show that In 2018:
- 263 people accidentally drowned in the UK
- Around 50% of these people just happened to be near water and had no intention of entering the water
- 35% of accidental drownings in 2018 involved drink and/or drugs
- 87% of these fatalities were male
- 89% of men who died after going missing on a night out were found in water
Follow these simple tips to keep you safe:
- Stay with your group and don't wander off if you become separated
- Keep an eye on any friends who are worse for wear and make sure you help them home
- Avoid walking near water even if the path is lit, you may not realise how unsteady on your feet you are
- In the dark you may not see trip hazards or even the water’s edge
- Make sure you store a taxi number in your phone and some emergency money at home so you can pay
- Plan how you are getting home before you start your night out
Find out more about Water Safety
Cooking Safety
Having returned home safely, the temptation to have a snack is common – after all, who hasn’t ever had ‘the munchies’?
Using the oven, hob or the grill can be dangerous if cooking is left unattended. Many kitchen fires start late on a weekend evening when the occupier gets distracted or simply falls asleep on the sofa after a night out.
It is much safer to grab a takeaway on the way home – it probably tastes better, cuts down on the washing up and will not leave you vulnerable to an accidental house fire.
Follow our simple Cooking Safety guide for more information
Many agencies will be out and about this weekend to keep everyone safe. Paramedics and hospitals have been put under massive pressure over the last three months and hospital bosses across our region are urging the public to 'protect the NHS' by not overburdening A&E departments unnecessarily.
Public Health England have incorporated advice for the ease of lockdown measures onto their blog. Read it here.
Humberside Police are expecting town and city centres to be as busy as key dates around Christmas and New Year. Assistant Chief Constable Paul Anderson said:
“With pubs, bars and restaurants reopening this weekend, we expect many areas across Hull, East Yorkshire and Northern Lincolnshire to become busier as people head out to socialise together.
“We will have additional officers from our Neighbourhood Policing Teams (NPTs) and our Patrol teams out across the force area, including places with high concentrations of hospitality such as Hull City Centre, Beverley and Cleethorpes, patrolling and checking in with local bars and pubs, to help keep everyone safe.
“We will also be working with partner agencies such as the city councils and licensing agencies.
“We want to make sure that as the restrictions are eased and more people begin to socialise, it’s an enjoyable and safe occasion for all.”
Read the full story on the Humberside Police website