Stay safe around firework season
West Lothian people are being urged to heed safety messages this Bonfire Night.
The call comes from West Lothian Community Safety Partnership.
Scottish Fire and Rescue’s prevention and protection group manager for West Lothian, Eddie Ritchie said: “November 5 is one of the busiest days of the year for the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service. Unsupervised bonfires greatly increase the number of calls to the Fire Service and they present a real risk to the public, property, wildlife and environment. Importantly our attendance at bonfire incidents diverts SFRS resources which may mean a critical delay in local fire crews attending a life threatening emergency. Every year we work closely with our partners in West Lothian to minimise the risks and dangers associated with unsupervised bonfires and fireworks. SFRS have visited local schools and community groups to reinforce our key safety messages.”
Executive councillor for services for the community, George Paul commented: “West Lothian Community Safety Partnership wants everyone to stay safe this year. Our message is to always follow the fireworks code. The instructions are on the box, please take a few minutes to remind yourself and prepare before your event starts. The council’s Waste Services and Trading Standards teams have also issued advice in an effort to help our communities to stay safe. Animals can also be very stressed by fireworks so try to plan your evening. Think about walking your dog in the day light, close your curtains and keep your cat indoors. If you have pets that live outside make sure there is plenty of bedding and consider partially covering the cage or pen. There are several good websites which have advice about looking after pets when there are fireworks or ask your vet for advice. If you are organising a bonfire remember to check it for animals such as hedgehogs before lighting it.”
Inspector Scott Robertson, Community Policing, said: “Every year we work closely with our partners to raise awareness of the risks and dangers associated with unsupervised bonfires and fireworks. Safety is the number one concern and one of the ways of staying safe is to attend a community organised event. To reduce the number of incidents this year we are encouraging everyone to take responsibility for their displays and follow the firework code.”
Group manager Ritchie added: “Deliberate fire setting and attacks on emergency service workers is an offence and we would encourage people to report any information relating to individuals, who may be responsible, to Police Scotland using the non-emergency number 101.”
For more advice on how to stay safe please visit www.firescotland.gov.uk.
Our message is to always follow the fireworks code