Eighteen year old Christopher Bennett has been sentenced to 220 hours unpaid work at Edinburgh Sheriff Court for his part in dangerous and reckless behaviour during last year’s Bonfire season. Continue reading Man sentenced for reckless behaviour during bonfire season
Residents in high-rise properties are being given leaflets outlining how to prevent fires in the home and what to do if one starts in their building.
The advice, produced by the Scottish Government and the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service, is being delivered to high-rise homes from December and will also be available in libraries and community centres in all 15 local authorities with the properties. Continue reading Fire safety guidance for high-rise homes
Police Scotland, Scottish Fire and Rescue Service, Edinburgh Council Trading Standards and Scottish SPCA Officers will be holding public drop in events on Monday 9th of December 2019 at the following locations in Leith: Continue reading Safer Leith at Christmas event
MOTORISTS WARNED OF ZERO TOLERANCE APPROACH
The Justice Secretary and Police Scotland have launched this year’s festive campaign to tackle drink- and drug-driving.
This is the first festive enforcement and awareness campaign to include the use of the new drug-drive laws which came into force last month.
The campaign highlights the criminal and personal consequences of being found guilty of driving a vehicle while under the influence alcohol or with drugs in your system.
Justice Secretary Humza Yousaf said: “Driving a vehicle while under the influence of drugs or alcohol is totally unacceptable and puts not only the driver, but passengers and other road users, at risk of serious injury or even death.
“As well as such devastating consequences, drivers caught drink or drug-driving also face significant criminal penalties which could result in them losing their licence or their liberty.
“The new drug-driving law and Scotland’s low driver-alcohol limit are focused on making our roads safer for everyone.”
Superintendent Louise Blakelock, Police Scotland’s Deputy Head of Road Policing, said: “As we move into the festive party season, we are reminding motorists of the devastating consequences driving with alcohol or drugs in their system can have.
“New roadside testing for drugs was introduced on 21 October and disappointingly we have seen nearly 100 people provide positive tests in the first four weeks. Our Festive Drink Drug-Driving Campaign starts on 1 December and we will have dedicated resources on patrol, targeting motorists who choose to take the risk of taking drugs and driving or drinking and driving.
“I am urging people to plan ahead during the party season. Think about how you’re going to get home safely and don’t forget about the impact alcohol can still have the morning after.”
This is the first festive period when motorists face roadside drugs test, under a new law which came into force 21 October. This introduced drug-drive limits and a zero tolerance approach to the eight drugs most associated with illegal use, including cannabis, heroin and cocaine.
Police can now carry out testing using mouth swabs for any motorist they suspect of drug-driving or who has been involved in an accident or stopped for a traffic offence.
During the first four weeks of the new law coming into force (21 October-18 November) 96 people have provided positive roadside tests. Of the 96, six were women aged between 23 and 42. The 90 men were aged between 17 and 50.
Corstorphine residents will be celebrating success later today with lunch in the residents lounge following the completion of a succesful partnership project.
Kirk Loan Residents Association have been working with Living Streets Scotland and the city council to get improvements made to local streets, enabling residents to walk more for everyday, local journeys.
Kate Joester, Project Coordinator (Walking Connects) explained: “Living Streets Scotland worked alongside Kirk Loan residents to conduct a street audit, detailing the problems with the road.
“We then helped the residents’ group contact the correct councillors and other elected officials in order to work with the roads teams at Edinburgh Council, to help them understand the impact that the damaged pavements and lack of drop kerbs had on Kirk Loan residents.
“Edinburgh Council agreed that these concerns were valid, as the street had so many residents with mobility problems. Summer 2019 saw the council undertake and complete all the street repairs identified by the residents in their audit – the result being that many residents are now able to reach the local shops and bus stop, instead of feeling isolated in their accommodation.
“There is still some work that Kirk Loan residents would like to see done, such as shop fronts being more accessible for those who use wheelchairs and walkers.
“They are hopeful that, with the contacts they have made and the success they have had so far, they will be able to work with both the council and shop owners to make residents even more regular customers on St John’s Road, enriching the local community and encouraging a sense of belonging once more.”
Police in Edinburgh have launched their annual campaign to keep the public safe during the festive period.
Operation Winter City, which has been running for several years, provides those who live, work in and visit Edinburgh during Christmas and New Year, with a range of useful information aimed at preventing them from falling victim to crime or coming to the attention of police. Continue reading Police launch Operation Winter City
With research showing that one in three homes do not have a carbon monoxide (CO) alarm fitted, despite nine in ten homeowners saying they are aware of the risks, OFTEC is urging households in Scotland to take action to protect themselves from the dangers of CO poisoning. Continue reading New awareness campaign urges households in Scotland to look out for Carbon monoxide poisoning dangers
The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS) crews responded to approximately 359 bonfires across the country between 3.30pm and 11.30pm yesterday (November 5).
Operations Control firefighters handled 882 calls from members of the public. There were also several attacks on crews, but no firefighters were seriously injured. Continue reading Guy Fawkes Night: more attacks on emergency services
BONFIRE NIGHT
Do you know what your children have planned this evening?
We don’t want anyone injuring themselves or others by playing with fireworks. As well as being dangerous, misusing fireworks is also an offence. Now is a good time to talk to your children about the dangers of fireworks and fires as well as the law, before it’s too late.
Check the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service website for more advice and guidance – http://ow.ly/nZgy50x1A3T
Check out the firework code here – http://ow.ly/62Df50x1A3U
The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service is urging people to attend organised Bonfire events this Tuesday, November 5.
Private firework displays and illegal bonfires pose a serious risk to the safety of the communities across Scotland.
And SFRS, alongside the Scottish Government, is making a final appeal to members of the public to attend an organised firework display and help curb illegal behaviour such as the construction of illegal bonfires.
Speaking on the run up to Bonfire Night Assistant Chief Officer Ross Haggart, the SFRS Director of Prevention and Protection, said: “The Scottish Fire and Rescue service can be up to four times busier than usual on November 5.
“There are many official Bonfire events this year in Scotland and attending one of these can help ensure our resources are not delayed.
“Illegal bonfires needlessly take up our time and put others with genuine emergencies at risk.
“I would urge any member of the public who sees someone starting an illegal bonfire to contact Crimestoppers.
“I would also urge anyone who witnesses the construction of an unlit illegal bonfire to contact their local authority to have it removed.
“Together we can help each other stay safe this bonfire night.”
ACO Haggart was joined in the call by Minister for Community Safety Ash Denham.
Ms Denham also highlighted the distress that fireworks can cause for members of the community as well as animals such as livestock and pets.
Ms Denham said: “Bonfire Night is a chance for families and local communities to come together and enjoy fireworks responsibly. However the noise from fireworks can cause distress to vulnerable members of our communities – older people, those with post-traumatic stress disorder, autism or underlying mental health issues – and to animals.
“I would encourage people to be mindful of this and to attend organised displays where fireworks are set off in a controlled and safe environment.
“Bonfire Night is also one of the busiest nights of the year for our blue-light staff and robust action will be taken against anyone involved in the misuse of fireworks.
“I would urge members of the public to report any criminal or anti-social behaviour to Police Scotland, their local council, or through Crimestoppers.”
Crimestoppers can be called anonymously on 0800 555 111 or contacted through their website at www.crimestoppers-uk.org.
With fireworks season upon us and Bonfire Night displays about to take place all over the country, most of us will be getting ready to enjoy the festivities. For dogs, however, Bonfire Night and firework celebrations can be some of the most stressful and terrifying times.
And with Sainsbury’s becoming the first major supermarket to stop selling fireworks across all its stores in the UK, the discussion on whether fireworks should be further regulated has never been more topical.
Lintbells, the pet supplement manufacturers, have thought of a few ways dog owners can help look after their four-legged friends this fireworks seasons, with the help of a 2018 survey they conducted with 2,000 dog owners, that revealed, more than 70% of those surveyed claim the firework season has a negative impact on their families – including their dogs.
House prep
There are some simple things you can do in your house that will help make your dog feel more comfortable while there are fireworks going off. Creating a safe place inside your home can be an ideal place for your dog to hide from fireworks. Almost 50% of dog owners build a safe haven for their dog to escape to during fireworks – using blankets and pillows can be a great way to create a den. Over 75% even choose to close the curtains, windows and doors to further shelter their pet from the loud noises and bright flashes of lights.
Sound
The sudden bang of fireworks can be extremely terrifying for your dog, so playing other sounds can be a great way to mask the noise of the bangs. Nearly 80% of dog owners turn on the TV or radio to help drown out the sounds of the fireworks, which will help distract your dog from the noise outside.
Walking
When walking your dog during fireworks season, perhaps consider walking them earlier in the day. Walking before dusk is ideal to make sure your dog is comfortable when going outside. Try to tire your dog out earlier on in the day, so they’ll be more likely to fall asleep before fireworks are set off. Regardless of the time you’re out walking, make sure you walk your dog on a load and they are microchipped.
Consider an alternative
If you have tried everything you can to help your cope with fireworks and they are still stressed, then it may be time to reach out to your vet for advice in the first instance, as they will be able to provide the best course of action.
Lintbells range of natural calming supplements, YuCALM, are a great way to help combat your dogs stress and anxiety. By supporting natural calming pathways in the brain, YuCALM is an effective way to help reduce stress and support your dog to become happier and more playful once again.
Giving your dog YuCALM in the build up to Bonfire Night and fireworks season, will help to support calm behaviour and ease any anxiety in time for the fireworks going off. Nearly 25% of those surveyed even tried giving their dog a natural supplement to help soothe their pets stress and anxiety.
Gemma Cunningham, Campaign and Communications Manager at Lintbells, said: “Many dog owners are calling for a change around firework laws, with over 60% calling for an outright ban on unlicensed fireworks, according to the study we conducted, with 96% believing that the laws around fireworks should be changed.
“In addition to the recent announcement from supermarket Sainsbury’s and its plans to stop selling fireworks in all of its stores, the results of the study have raised further questions on whether fireworks should be further legislated, to protect not only dogs, but other animals too.”
