Cornwall Fire & Rescue Service Newsdesk

at 20/12/2010 14:43

Cornwall Fire and Rescue Service (CFRS) are urging residents to take extra care when lighting up appliances that haven’t been used for a number of months and warning of the dangers of frozen ponds and lakes.

With Christmas almost upon us and the cold weather looking like its here for a while yet, more and more people will be enjoying the warmth of a traditional log fire.

This message is even more crucial for those residents using traditional log fires due to the debris which tends to accumulate in chimneys over the warmer months.

So before you light up, think about the following:

· Chimneys using smokeless coal should be swept at least once a year.

· Chimneys using wood should be swept quarterly when in use.

· Ensure a fireguard is in front of the fire at all times, spark guards can prevent a serious property fire.

· Extinguish the fire before going to bed or leaving the house.

· Do not light fires using flammable liquids such as petrol or paraffin.

· Do go into the loft occasionally to check the chimney when the fire is alight.

· Check for smoke from cracks, defective brickwork or mortar joints.

As well as promoting chimney fire safety CFRS are also reminding residents about the dangers of carbon monoxide poisoning, which can be a killer.

To prevent this:

· Have appliances installed and properly checked by competent engineers.

· Get chimney or flue inspected and swept.

· Do not overload a fire and only burn fuels it is designed for.

· Fit a carbon monoxide detector.

Cornwall also has a large number of ponds, lakes, and a significant coastline that all present serious risks during the adverse weather conditions. That is why CFRS are urging people, particularly dog walkers and young people, not to venture onto ice-covered lakes, ponds, rivers, or open water.

A frozen lake or stream can look safe, but there is really no way of knowing how thick the ice is and whether it will hold your weight, so the advice is to simply stay clear of it. People should take extra care around the edges of waterways because a layer of snow can easily disguise thin ice underneath.

The hazards include drowning, asphyxia, and hypothermia. If the ice gives way then it can trap you, and when the weather is like this hypothermia sets in very quickly. Children are particularly at risk, and parents and guardians are asked to remind them of the dangers.

Group Manager Sacha Wheatman from CFRS Prevention Department said

“Over the last decade over 20 people have drowned in the UK as a result of venturing out onto ponds and lakes that have frozen over. More than half of these were trying to rescue other people or dogs. In many instances the dogs managed to scramble out to safety, while the rescuer, unfortunately, did not. Pets are likely to become stranded if not kept under close control, which often leads to people risking their own lives to reach them. The safest option is to keep your dog on a lead and avoid throwing sticks or balls near frozen water so they cannot run out onto the ice.”

If you do see an animal in difficulty do not try to rescue it yourself - if the ice is too thin to support a dog's weight, it certainly won't support yours. Instead call 999 and give the emergency services as much information as you can about your location and what has happened.

If you see a person fall through the ice you should:

Call the emergency services on 999
Give as much information about the incident and location as possible
Tell the person to stay still to maintain heat and energy
Try finding something that will extend your reach, such as a rope, pole or branch
Throw the object out and, once ensuring you are stable on the bank either by lying down or having someone hold on to you, pull them in
If you cannot find something to reach with, try finding an object that will float and push that out to them
Ensure that you keep off the ice at all times during the rescue
Continue to reassure the casualty and keep them talking until help arrives.