How to be safe during a Heatwave
In the event of last month, The Met office issued an Amber Warning across England; This means that there could be life or potential serious illness from the scorching heat. But let’s be real this doesn’t stop anyone from going outside and enjoying themselves. But we still need to be weary of what this heat can entail and the dangers it may bring.
Barbeques, Especially Disposable..
Since heatwaves with temperatures in their 30’s becoming more and more frequent, that inner barbeque feeling comes to fruition. Where we all whip out our prongs, crack open an ice-cold beverage, throw on a few burgers and sausages and kick back enjoying the sound of the sizzle. As common sense indicates, barbeques can stay hot for hours (Obviously); but they can even emit CO (Carbon Monoxide). So do not bring them indoors, as CO is easily ignited due to the incomplete burning of carbon still in the barbeque which can still react with oxygen within the air.
Disposable barbeques are the biggest issue of them all, since people are so careless when it comes to how they are handled they don’t realise that if left unattended and not disposed of correctly after use even a wildfire can start (a large, destructive fire that spreads quickly over woodland or brush.)
As of recent, major brand supermarkets have taken these disposable barbeques off the shelves, however, the use of them is still permitted.
Terrain
The terrain is a major factor when it comes to being safe in the heat. As different terrains can react differently to the heat for example, dry grass. Dry grass is one of the main reasons why everyone across the globe experiences fires in public places and woodland/open lands. This is because the grass is combustible which means that it can generate heat after reacting to the oxygen around. This is particularly dangerous around (as stated before) barbeques, the heat left over from these can be the spark needed to cause a fire...
In addition, if you’re out and about keep an eye out for smoky grass. This is called smouldering, which is the terrain burning slowly with smoke but there are no flames visible. If you do spot any sign of this, please call 999 or your local authority to inform them of your sightings so that it can be neutralized safely.
Fake grass is also another potential danger whilst out in the heat. If you’re in your garden with fake grass there is a potential that your grass can melt in the heat, and again if around a barbeque; can you see the running theme here? So please be weary of your fake grass in the heat. In addition, Fake grass with sand infill doesn’t catch fire as the sand acts as having an extinguishing effect, which prevents fire from spreading. This is vital when it comes to preventing any more damage from flourishing.
Miscellaneous
There are many other factors when it comes to potential fire starters however, the main one being cigarette and their buds. If these are not put out correctly, the effects can be devastating. It only takes a little heat from the tip of the bud to ignite a fire especially around dry grass. Just remember these are also smouldering flames.
I know summer is coming to an end soon, but this doesn’t mean that we can’t be weary of all the potential dangers of fire starters in our day to day lives. Even the slightest of awareness could save the environment around us and even someone’s life or maybe even your own. And again, If you do spot any signs mentioned prior call 999 or your local authority and they will put that out safely and professionally do not try to be the hero and put it out yourself.
