Tag: Bonfire season

STOP: Mum issues safety warning after toddler suffered 27% burns

A mum whose daughter fell into a scalding bath when she was just three-years-old has urged other parents to be aware of the dangers of burns.

Little Courtney, now seven, spent years battling back to full health after she suffered devastating burns to more than a quarter of her body.

The schoolgirl, from Kirkcaldy, had to undergo numerous painful procedures and physiotherapy at the Royal Hospital for Children and Young People (RHCYP) in Edinburgh following the accident.

Now on “Burns Awareness Day” (12th October), her mum, Chloe Abrahams, is warning other parents to be aware of potential burns hazards around the home.

Chloe said: “I would never have thought that tap water could burn so badly.

“The pain Courtney went through just from lifting her into a different position on the hospital bed still breaks my heart when I think about it. Seeing my daughter in that state was the worst thing I’ve ever been through.”

Courtney’s accident happened in 2018. She was reaching for a toy when she tumbled into a bath that was filling with scalding water.

Chloe said: “We heard horrendous screams and found that Courtney had fallen into a scalding hot bath. I quickly scooped her out of the bath, stripped her clothes off and wrapped her in a wet towel. She was covered in massive bulging blisters and we rushed her to hospital. But at this point, I didn’t realise how much damage had already been done.”

Courtney was immediately transferred to the high dependency unit in the Royal Hospital for Children and Young People (RHCYP) where she was sent to theatre every few days to get her burns scrubbed and redressed to prevent any infections.

Her little thighs and feet received the worst damage as her socks and pants had held the scalding water close to her skin.

After being released from hospital, Courtney’s feet had to stay bandaged for over a month, meaning that she was struggling to walk for up to two months.

She received regular physiotherapy alongside numerous other appointments for over a year to aid her recovery and to help with the inevitable scarring.

Chloe added: “I honestly can’t thank all the amazing doctors and nurses at the RHCYP enough. Courtney is now seven and is doing great. She has lots of scars but she doesn’t let them define her.

“I would like other families to know that you can turn the water temperature down on your boiler. If we had known that – things might have been different for us.”

According to the Burns and Plastics Clinic at the RHCYP, burns are the most common household injury with over 7,000 children suffering serious burns or scalds in the UK in 2021.

As Halloween and bonfire night approaches Rosie Bainsfair, Burns & Plastics Nurse Specialist at the RHCYP, said: “Many of the children we see at the RHCYP in Edinburgh are injured in accidents around the house, involving very common things like hot drinks, irons or hair straighteners.

“If your child has a burn or scald, follow this simple ‘STOP’ first aid advice:

“Strip clothes, jewellery or nappies off (unless they are stuck to the skin).

“Turn on a cold tap or shower and run the burn under cool water for 20 minutes whilst keeping the child warm. Do not use ice.

“Organise medical assistance – attend A and E or dial 999.

“Protect the burn with cling film, provide painkillers and keep the child warm.”

To find out more about how you can prevent burns from happening at home, please visit the Royal Society For The Prevention Of Accidents website here. 

Crackle and Moonbeam: Capital Police prepare for Bonfire Night

Police in Edinburgh have launched their annual campaign to keep the public safe and deter fireworks-related disorder over Bonfire Night.

Operation Crackle, which runs from today (Thursday 4th November), to Saturday 6th November, sees local officers deployed throughout the city to address the range of criminality that typically arise as a result of the antisocial use of fireworks during the bonfire period.

In advance community policing teams have been working alongside the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service and the City of Edinburgh Council and may other partners, to engage with young people through various channels and discuss the risks and consequences of using fireworks recklessly.

Officers have also carried out joint patrols with council Environmental Wardens and members of the fire service to carry out environmental audits and identify and safely remove any debris or materials that could be used to start bonfires.

In addition to Operation Crackle, Police Scotland has also launched its national public order response for Halloween and Bonfire Night, Operation Moonbeam.

As part of this campaign, a range of specialist and national resources will be available to Edinburgh’s officers if they are required.

The city’s dispersal zones will once again be in operation as an additional tactic to tackle and deter antisocial behaviour and disorder.

The zones will run between 4th and 6th November from 2pm to midnight each day.

Like the past four years, the zones include Muirhouse, West Pilton, Portobello, Loganlea, Saughton, Gorgie, Gilmerton, Moredun and Southhouse and enable police to instruct groups of two or more people who are congregating and behaving in an antisocial manner in these areas to disperse.

Those who fail to comply, or fail to stay away for up to 24 hours, can face arrest.

Chief Inspector Murray Tait from Edinburgh Division said: “Last year saw unprecedented restrictions placed on the public, in terms of gatherings within their homes and gardens, as well as all public bonfire and fireworks displays being cancelled and we are yet to see the return of such events.

“If you are planning to purchase and use fireworks over the coming days and weeks then please do so responsibly and within reasonable times of the day, so as not to disturb and distress vulnerable members of our community.

“We have been working alongside our various partners in advance to mitigate against fireworks-related disorder but nevertheless, we still anticipate a very busy period for ourselves and the other emergency services.

“We are committed to keeping not only the public, but our officers and emergency service colleagues safe, and we are grateful that Operation Crackle officers will once again be supported by the specialist resources as part of Operation Moonbeam.  

“I would ask that parents and guardians have frank conversations with the young people in their care and remind them that behaving recklessly with fireworks can not only put lives at risk, but will result in arrest and a criminal record.”

Fireworks: local Dispersal Zones to tackle antisocial behaviour

This year two Dispersal Zones are being set up in North West Edinburgh to combat antisocial behaviour and disorder over the bonfire period. The zones will be in operation between 2pm and midnight from Thursday 4th to Saturday 6th November.

Under the Antisocial Behaviour (Scotland) Act 2004, police have a Power of Dispersal within the designated zones authorised by Superintendent David Robertson.

This means that Police can instruct any people in groups of two or more who are congregating and behaving in an antisocial manner to disperse, and if they do not live there to leave the zones, and then not to return for up to 24 hours.

If they do return, they can be arrested.

Nine dispersal zones will be set up across the city in known ‘hot spots’. As well as West Pilton and Muirhouse, zones will be established in Portobello, Loganlea, Gilmerton, Moredun, Southhouse, Gorgie and Saughton.

News of the establishment of Dispersal Zones will come as no surprise to local residents – the real surprise is that these dispersal zones will be in place over one weekend only.

Nine disperal zones now in place for bonfire season

This year nine dispersal zones have been authorised in Edinburgh to combat antisocial behaviour and disorder over the bonfire period. The zones will be in operation between 2pm and midnight from today (Wednesday 4th) to Saturday 7th November.

Under the Antisocial Behaviour (Scotland) Act 2004, police have a Power of Dispersal within the designated zones authorised by Superintendent David Robertson.

This means that we can instruct any people in groups of two or more who are congregating and behaving in an antisocial manner to disperse, and if they do not live there to leave the zones, and then not to return for up to 24 hours. If they do return, they can be arrested.

The nine zones are Muirhouse, West Pilton, Portobello, Loganlea, Saughton, Gorgie, Gilmerton, Moredun and Southhouse.

They will be in place from 2pm today (Wednesday 4 November) until midnight on Saturday 7 November.

Maps have been published on local police social media.

Police launch Operation Moonbeam

Police Scotland is supporting local communities across the country with a range of specialist resources to keep people safe around Bonfire Night.

Operation Moonbeam was launched in 2018 in reponse to high levels of public disorder and violence witnessed during the same period a year earlier.

This resulted in lower levels of disorder in 2018 and 2019 and similar resources will be in place this year to reassure communities and tackle criminal activity.

A number of specially-trained officers will be deployable within the North, West and East of Scotland to support local officers during this busy period.

With organised bonfire events cancelled across Scotland in light of the coronavirus pandemic, anyone planning their own garden bonfire is urged to be considerate towards neighbours and pets when setting off fireworks.

Assistant Chief Constable Tim Mairs, Gold Commander for Operation Moonbeam, said: “Typically, the Bonfire Night weekend, and surrounding days, are extremely busy for police and other emergency services.

“While the cancellation of public bonfire displays and the coronovirus restrictions in place is likely to result in a slight reduction in the number of people out and about, we cannot be complacent in terms of preserving public safety.

“Divisional Commanders will be given significant levels of specialist resource, including public order trained officers, to supplement their local policing teams and help them address any issues that arise.

“The police alone cannot tackle anti-social behaviour and bonfire-related disorder. We are once again taking a tri-service approach with the other emergency services, aimed at not only responding successfully to reports of criminality, but preventing them in the first instance.

“We have been engaging with young people extensively through our school inputs to highlight the risks associated with reckless behaviour involving fireworks and of course, alcohol.

“Parents and guardians of young people also have a vital role to play and I would ask you all have very frank conversations with those in your care about the risks of getting involved in violence and disorder.

“Let me be clear, any behaviour that puts our communities at risk, or endangers the safety of our officers and other emergency service personnel, will not be tolerated.

“The Chief Constable has made it clear that we are asking people to take personal responsibility to do the right thing to aid the collective effort of staying safe, protecting others and saving lives by preventing the virus from spreading.

“While the vast majority of communities across Scotland are co-operating with the existing restrictions, a small number are still intent on hosting or participating in parties and gatherings with other households.

“These are not confined to certain age groups and people should not be in any doubt that house gatherings allow the virus to spread. Where we encounter wilful, repeated, persistent or flagrant breaches we will, as the public would expect and support, act decisively to enforce the law.”

Deputy Assistant Chief Officer (DACO) Alasdair Perry is the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service’s Head of Prevention and Protection. He said: “First and foremost we would urge all of our communities to follow advice and guidelines around social distancing to help mitigate the spread of COVID-19.

“With many public events cancelled due to COVID-19, we know people may consider hosting their own firework events.

“But we want to highlight that the private use of fireworks can be dangerous- and that children are particularly at risk.

“We are therefore strongly encouraging anyone who does wish to host a private event to reduce the risk by ensuring to familiarise themselves with our fireworks code and fire safety guidance. Do not take risks because the consequences can be devastating.

“This is already a traditionally busy period of the year for ourselves and our partners and it is very important that we maintain an ability to respond to other emergencies.

“We know it’s a very small minority of people who engage in anti-social behaviour, but there’s no question it can impact on our firefighters and Operations Control colleagues as well as our partners.

“A deliberate fire can also put property, resources and indeed lives at risk so it goes without saying that we will always take a zero-tolerance approach to fire-setting and attacks on our crews.”

“For more information visit our fireworks safety page: https://www.firescotland.gov.uk/your-safety/fireworks-safety.aspx”

Community Safety Minister Ash Denham added: “Halloween and Bonfire Night this year are going to feel very different and at this usual time for celebration I urge everyone to follow the rules on meeting up with other households to help stop the spread of the virus.

“We know that some people may consider setting off fireworks in their back-gardens, if you do plan on using fireworks this Bonfire Night please do so responsibly and safely. We are asking families to avoid guising this year but our newly published Parent Club guidance has lots of fun and creative ideas for families to enjoy a safe celebration at home.

“Police Scotland, the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service and all emergency service workers have my complete support, particularly over the busy bonfire season.”

Keeping your pets calm this fireworks season

Top tips from the team behind the all-natural Be:Loved pet care range

Covid-19 has put the dampener on public Bonfire Night events this year, which means private displays will be the order of the day. With our skies lit up more than normal at this time of year, pet owners will be eager to ensure that their beloved pets are saved from the brink of fear with every whizz, pop and bang.

One company which cares deeply for pets of all shapes and sizes is Podium Pet Products, the supplier of the utterly divine Be:Loved range of 100% natural pet care products including shampoo bars, nose & paw balms, skin & coat oils, sun protection and room fragrances.

Here the company’s founder, Carina Evans, shares some top tips for keeping your pets safe and stress-free this fireworks night:

 Preparation is key. Start by rescheduling your dog’s walk for during daylight hours and, if possible, add a little extra to the walk to ensure they will be worn out come nighttime.

 As nighttime approaches close all windows and draw the curtains to muffle the noise from outside, as well as minimising visibility of flashing lights.

 Be sure to add additional sounds to the home, such as the TV or radio. If possible, increase the volume throughout the day to gradually drown out exterior noises.

 Make sure your pets are kept indoors and ensure that their favourite place to sleep or relax is accessible.

 Why not add a few extra distractions to the evening – extra cuddles, a few more rounds of catch, and treats and snacks that will keep their attention away from the fireworks.

 If you pet does want to hide then give them plenty of space to do so, and don’t be tempted to drag them out of their hideaway. Instead, stay with them, offer soothing words and comfort as much as possible.

 Pheromone diffusers are available but natural solutions do also deliver results. Scents such as Lavender, Chamomile, Marjoram, Frankincense Carterii and Valerian are well-known for their calming abilities so look out for candles, room fragrances or other products, including essential oils, which contain these scents to create a calming environment.

Though Carina notes: “Essential Oils have so many healing benefits for our furry friends but with them are associated risks if the “blends” and quantities are incorrect.  Just like humans can eat lots of chocolate without too much trouble, a dog doing the same can become fatally ill.  

“Cats in particular are very sensitive to essential oils as their kidneys and other organs have real trouble processing them.  It is therefore incredibly important that pet parents carefully check the dosage allowed, and only use pure oils if they choose to administer essential oils to their pets.”

Let Be:Loved offer a calming ‘hug’ this Guy Fawkes night

The inspiration for Be:Loved came in the form of an old family heirloom: a farmhouse recipe book. This book held a treasure trove of recipes for treating common ailments for both farmer and livestock alike, and it is these recipes which have been reimagined within the Be:Loved collection.

Drawing upon years of experience, and lovingly handmade in the UK, each Be:Loved product has been carefully designed to deliver results whilst providing the ultimate pamper experience for pet and owner. All the products are tested on humans so we know they work whether you have two legs or four!

This November reach for the  Be:Calm Shampoo Bar (£5.00) . With the calming scent of lavender and extra moisturising goat’s milk, Be:Calm is the perfect way to help your pet unwind, making it perfect for bath lovers to stay distracted whilst your neighbours enjoy celebrating November 5th .

For those pets that enjoy cuddles and strokes, the  Be:Silky Skin & Coat Conditioning Pet Massage Oil Rub (£20.00)  is the perfect companion. Help your pets drift off as you massage the enriching and conditioning blend of natural botanical oils and essences, including Grape Seed, Lavender, Vitamin E, Sweet Almond and Rose, into their coat and skin.

Or why not reach for the  Be:Loved, Soothing and Nourishing Nose & Paw Balm (£8.00)?  Enriched with shea butter, Vitamin E, avocado oil and manuka honey, this balm will not only tackle cracked paw pads, elbow callouses or dry noses, but it will help you to soothe your pet with the most delicious massage session, perfect for banishing the fireworks blues whilst strengthening the bond between pet and pet parent.

Whilst you are at it, set the scene for some pure relaxation with the Be:Calm – Lavender & Chamomile Mud & Boot Room Candle (£15.00).  Perfect for the boot room, kennels or kitchen, this odour-eliminating candle is formulated with enzymes which not only cover up but remove household odours – whether from pets or cooking smells. Come November 5th, the candle comes into its own, helping to waft the gentle and soothing aroma of lavender around the home.

All of these products, plus the full Be:Loved range can be purchased via  www.wearebeloved.co . Every product is backed by the Be:Loved EcoPledge, which means no plastic is used anywhere in the range and is fully designed to be recycled or repurposed, whilst everything also benefits from being free from ‘nasties’ including MIT and paraben.

Enjoy the fireworks with MYDG

COUNTDOWN TO BONNIE WEEKEND IS ON! 🔥🎃👻

We’re taking young people from P7-S6 to Ratho on Friday 1st November, Monday 4th and Tuesday 5th November!

We are doing pick up points at a number of youth organisations in the local area (see poster).

If you would like to come please pop in to the MYDG office in Craigroyston Community High School in the next few days to pick up a form or speak to your local youth organisation that you attend (GYC, Fetlor, Spartans and MYDG) – spaces are filling up!

We would love to see as many of you along for Halloween and Bonfire night celebrations!

Muirhouse Youth Development Group