Issued on: Tuesday 11 September 2018
Celebrate Safely – the annual campaign encouraging people across Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland to consider their safety during the forthcoming season of celebrations and events – was officially launched today, Thursday 11 September, at Warning Zone.
As part of the launch, a group of school children got to witness a demonstration put on by Leicestershire Fire and Rescue Service, received some safety advice they can share with their family and friends and got the opportunity to look around a range of emergency service vehicles.
Wayne Gale, Station Manager at Leicestershire Fire and Rescue Service, said: “There are many events taking place in Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland 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 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.
“We want all our local communities to have a safe end to 2018.”
The campaign is run across Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland and ties in with a number of upcoming celebrations through to Christmas and New Year, including Eid, Diwali, Navratri, Halloween and Bonfire Night. It involves Leicestershire Fire and Rescue Service, Leicestershire Police, Leicestershire County Council, Leicester City Council, Rutland County Council and a number of district and borough councils across the county.
It will include a social media campaign, a programme of school visits, information stands in local shopping centres and the presence of the services at the celebratory events where they will be on hand to share the key safety messages and advice of the campaign, focusing on the fire risks of diva candles among other things to ensure people consider the safety of their friends and family and enjoy the festive periods safely.
Ivan Ould, cabinet member for community safety at Leicestershire County Council, added: “We all want to enjoy festive celebrations surrounded by our friends and family, whether that is to celebrate Eid, Diwali or Christmas.
“That’s why the Celebrate Safely campaign is so important: it aims to spread vital safety messages so we can cherish these happy times, with hopefully the only drama involving control of the TV remote.”
Chief Inspector Jed Keen, Neighbourhood Policing Lead for Leicestershire Police, said: “It is that time of year when the festivities and celebrations start to take place across Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland. While we want you to take part in the events and enjoy yourselves, it is also important that you stay safe.
“By taking a few simple steps to protect yourself and your property, you can enjoy this special time of year without the fear of crime. Whether you are going to parties, festivals, events, or inviting friends and family round for fun and festivities, we hope that by following the Celebrate Safely advice you have a safe and enjoyable time.”
Deputy City Mayor Cllr Piara Singh Clair, who leads on culture and leisure, said: “We are very fortunate in Leicester to benefit from so many festivals and celebrations.
“We want residents and visitors to have an enjoyable and safe time, and by working with colleagues from the police and fire service we are able to spread important safety messages wider.”
For more in depth information, useful contacts and links and the calendar of events, visit www.celebratesafely.com.
ENDS
Notes to Editors:
Interviews can be arranged through prior arrangement with Corporate Communications on the details below. Main image can be found below (more are available on request):
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 ten years, fire-related incidents have reduced by 43 percent.
During 2016/17, the Service attended 694 road traffic collisions, of which 148 were extrications from vehicles, in addition to 2,259 fires. 272 schools were visited as part of the Service’s schools programme, delivering fire and road safety education to pupils. Staff organised or took part in 1,613 community safety events, promoting fire and road safety and arson prevention, and 145 Virtual Fatal Four (VF4) events as part of the Service’s young drivers’ road safety project.
Contact:
Corporate Communications
Direct: 0116 229 2178
corporate.communications@lfrs.org
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