Stay Safe This Summer

With Summer holidays just around the corner & warmer weather settling in, the South & Vale is full of rivers, streams & canals that may look inviting to many but could prove dangerous to even the strongest of swimmers. Oxfordshire County Council’s Fire and Rescue Service warns of the dangers of open water & promote the following safety advice: 

•Avoid walking on routes near water if you have been drinking alcohol
•Lakes, reservoirs, rivers often hide hidden dangers below the surface that could make people ill, cause injury or kill. This could be anything from a strong current that appears calm, large rocks to machinery; from shopping trolleys to branches, and even fish hooks or broken fishing line
•Never swim, even where allowed, after drinking alcohol
•Don’t dive or jump straight into open water – this can cause potentially fatal cold water shock even on the warmest day with temperatures remaining cold in the water- even numbing limbs & claiming lives 

If you fall in: 
•    Don’t panic – lean back in the water, extend your arms and legs out and float on your back avoiding water entering your airway until the effects of cold water shock pass
•    Try & relax until initial panic & gasping subsides 

If someone else falls in: 
•    Never enter the water to try to rescue someone – call 999 and ask for the fire and rescue service if inland and the coastguard if you are on the coast.
•    Know your location to help emergency services find you-consider using location apps
•    Throw a life ring or throw a line to them if one is near

Anyone witnessing someone in trouble in the water should call 999 or 112 and shout for help.

lue Light Services from across the Thames Valley are joining forces to remind residents around dialling 999 responsibly ahead of the heatwave over the coming days.

The Met Office have today (15/7) issued a red extreme heat warning for Monday (18/7) and Tuesday (19/7) across the South East. In response, Thames Valley Police, South Central Ambulance Service NHS Foundation Trust, and Fire and Rescue Services from Oxfordshire, Royal Berkshire and Buckinghamshire are collectively issuing advice to residents on steps they can take to reduce demand on their services. This includes:

• Looking out for others, especially older people, young children and babies and those with underlying health conditions.
• Closing curtains on rooms that face the sun to keep indoor spaces cooler and remember it may be cooler outdoors than indoors.
• Drink plenty of water, stay in shaded areas, dress appropriately for the weather and slow down when it is hot.

All services are expecting an increase in demand over the coming days. Communities are being encouraged to only dial 999 in emergency situations, which includes when a life is in danger or a crime is happening right now. There are mechanisms in place for those who need to contact the police and health services in non-emergencies, including online services.

Deputy Chief Constable Jason Hogg, Chair of the Thames Valley Local Resilience Forum said: “As temperatures increase across the Thames Valley, so will calls to 999. We are working closely with our fire, ambulance, health and local authority partners to prepare for the challenges that heat brings, and to keep our communities safe. Do take advice on water and fire safety and look after yourself and keep hydrated.

“With the expected heat warning over the coming days, we are expected to see an increase in individuals contacting the police, sometimes for matters we cannot help with. To speak to the police about anything that is not an emergency and where you do not need to speak to someone at that moment in time, please contact us online. This will help keep our 101 service for those who need to speak to someone and help preserve 999 as an emergency line if a crime is happening now or life or property is at immediate risk.”

lue Light Services from across the Thames Valley are joining forces to remind residents around dialling 999 responsibly ahead of the heatwave over the coming days.

The Met Office have today (15/7) issued a red extreme heat warning for Monday (18/7) and Tuesday (19/7) across the South East. In response, Thames Valley Police, South Central Ambulance Service NHS Foundation Trust, and Fire and Rescue Services from Oxfordshire, Royal Berkshire and Buckinghamshire are collectively issuing advice to residents on steps they can take to reduce demand on their services. This includes:

• Looking out for others, especially older people, young children and babies and those with underlying health conditions.
• Closing curtains on rooms that face the sun to keep indoor spaces cooler and remember it may be cooler outdoors than indoors.
• Drink plenty of water, stay in shaded areas, dress appropriately for the weather and slow down when it is hot.

All services are expecting an increase in demand over the coming days. Communities are being encouraged to only dial 999 in emergency situations, which includes when a life is in danger or a crime is happening right now. There are mechanisms in place for those who need to contact the police and health services in non-emergencies, including online services.

Deputy Chief Constable Jason Hogg, Chair of the Thames Valley Local Resilience Forum said: “As temperatures increase across the Thames Valley, so will calls to 999. We are working closely with our fire, ambulance, health and local authority partners to prepare for the challenges that heat brings, and to keep our communities safe. Do take advice on water and fire safety and look after yourself and keep hydrated.

“With the expected heat warning over the coming days, we are expected to see an increase in individuals contacting the police, sometimes for matters we cannot help with. To speak to the police about anything that is not an emergency and where you do not need to speak to someone at that moment in time, please contact us online. This will help keep our 101 service for those who need to speak to someone and help preserve 999 as an emergency line if a crime is happening now or life or property is at immediate risk.”

Doug Buchanan, Area Manager at Royal Berkshire Fire and Rescue Service said: “With hot and dry weather, usually comes an increase in accidental fires. It’s more likely barbeques and bonfires will become out of control and they can rapidly escalate into wildfires, leading to greater demand on emergency services. We need your help to prevent these outdoor fires by following our top tips.

“It is also important to stay safe around water. Whilst it may be tempting, it is strongly advised not to enter lakes or rivers as cold water shock can be fatal. It is much safer to find other ways to keep cool and enjoy the summer weather.”

Doug Buchanan, Area Manager at Royal Berkshire Fire and Rescue Service said: “With hot and dry weather, usually comes an increase in accidental fires. It’s more likely barbeques and bonfires will become out of control and they can rapidly escalate into wildfires, leading to greater demand on emergency services. We need your help to prevent these outdoor fires by following our top tips.

“It is also important to stay safe around water. Whilst it may be tempting, it is strongly advised not to enter lakes or rivers as cold water shock can be fatal. It is much safer to find other ways to keep cool and enjoy the summer weather.”

Warmer weather means more people visiting local beauty hotspots across South & Vale area such as White Horse Hill, Uffington.

When visiting these areas please think about crime prevention measures you can take to protect your vehicle from potential thieves:

-Keep valuables hidden or take them with you such as Sat Nav, wallet etc.
-Use dash-cam’s to record any activity when you are not inside the vehicle  
-Make sure windows & doors are locked
-Park in car parks that have the Park Mark Scheme in operation The Safer Parking Scheme | Park Mark

If you see any suspicious activity or wish to report a crime please contact us on 101 or 999 in an emergency.