Issued on: Tuesday 13 September 2016
CELEBRATE SAFELY CAMPAIGN LAUNCHED
Wednesday 14 September at 15:00 hours
Forest Lodge Primary School, New Parks
A campaign reminding people how to celebrate safely during the forthcoming season of celebrations and events will be launched later this week.
The Celebrate Safely campaign is being run across Leicester to share important safety messages and advice, with a number of celebrations and events on the way. The campaign involves Leicestershire Fire and Rescue Service, Leicestershire Police and Leicester City Council. It will include a programme of school visits, information stands in local shopping centres and the presence of the services at the celebratory events.
People from across Leicester and Leicestershire will be enjoying the celebrations which take place from September, all the way into the New Year. Whether you’re celebrating Eid, Diwali or Navratri, dressing up for Halloween, enjoying a fireworks display on Bonfire Night, or celebrating Christmas and New Year, the Celebrate Safely campaign has all the top tips and advice you’ll need to ensure the safety of you, your family and friends as well as your home and belongings – helping us protect our communities.
Celebrate Safely will be launched on Wednesday 14 September 2016 at Forest Lodge Primary School, New Parks at 15:00 hours. On the day, Leicestershire Fire and Rescue Service will be unveiling the winner of the naming a fire appliance competition, launching the new suite of materials, holding a fire safety demonstration as well as having their display vehicle, smokehouse and fire appliance on show.
Where to find Forest Lodge Primary School:
Charnor Road, New Parks, Leicester, LE3 6LH
We are looking to the media to help raise the profile of the Celebrate Safely campaign, offering photography and filming opportunities at the launch event, with the possibility of interviewing members of the project team and/or senior personnel.
Wayne Gale, Watch Manager at Leicestershire Fire and Rescue Service said: “There are many events taking place in Leicester at this time of year, and while we want everyone to go out and enjoy themselves, we believe it is essential they keep themselves, their family and friends safe, as well as their property and belongings.”
“Celebrate Safely is a campaign that is here to help members of public by offering them many useful safety tips and advice, which have come from all the services involved. We urge everyone to be vigilant, keeping a watchful eye on candles, divas and their cooking at all times, as well as being cautious when it comes to fireworks and bonfires to help avoid any risk to their loved ones caused by fires.”
Chief Superintendent Andy Lee, Commander for the Local Policing Directorate from Leicestershire Police, said: “Leicester is a vibrant and diverse city and we see an array of festivals, celebrations and cultural events taking place during the autumn and winter months. Our role is to ensure that those celebrating can enjoy this special time with their loved ones.”
“Working together allows us to raise awareness of a number of safety issues that normally peak around this time of year and to encourage all of those attending events and celebrations to have fun safely.”
“We would remind people to be vigilant, look after their belongings and be respectful of others so everyone can celebrate safely.”
Leicester assistant city mayor for neighbourhood services, Councillor Kirk Master, added: “We are fortunate in Leicester to celebrate so many festivals from now until Christmas. I would urge people to ensure that they take extra precautions to secure their homes and stay safe whilst out and about.”
“You may have already seen our Celebrate Safely stands in your area, if not find out if there are any events taking place in your neighbourhood, check on our website www.celebratesafely.com.”
“Wishing everybody a joyous and safe celebrations.”
For more in depth information, useful contacts and links and the calendar of events, visit www.celebratesafely.com.
ENDS
Notes to editors
Media work is possible by prior arrangement through Corporate Communications and photos will be available on request after the event. There will also be an opportunity to get a photo of the competition winner and the renamed appliance
About the Service
Leicestershire Fire and Rescue Service provides emergency response, prevention and protection services from 20 stations across Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland. Its headquarters is based in Birstall, Leicester.
The Service’s prevention, education, enforcement and inspection programmes have resulted in significant reductions in the number of incidents. In the last five years, fire related incidents have reduced by 32.6 percent.
During 2014/15, the Service attended 619 road traffic collisions, of which 155 were extrications freeing 194 people trapped inside their vehicles and completed 4316 home fire safety checks, fitting almost 4339 smoke alarms. Staff organised or supported almost 1590 events aimed at promoting fire and road safety and arson prevention, whilst also visiting 314 schools to deliver fire and road safety education to pupils.
Contact:
Dominic Halliday
0116 229 2178
Dominic.halliday@lfrs.org
