Staying safe during National Chip Week

This week sees the 21st annual ‘National Chip Week’ and the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS) would like everyone to enjoy their chips.

Across Scotland, 600 people were injured in around 3,000 cooking related house fires in 2012-13, while over the past four years, 60 per cent of all accidental house fires have involved cooking.

Assistant Chief Officer Lewis Ramsay, Director of Prevention and Protection, said:

“More fires start in the kitchen than in any other room in the house and with three billion meals per year containing chips within the UK, it is clear that they still remain a national favourite. However cooking chips can involve a significant fire risk.

“It is so easy to get distracted while cooking. The doorbell can go, the phonemay ring, children can distract us, or we leave the room to do other chores while food is cooking. A significant number of cooking related fires start when people are under the influence of alcohol, start to cook something and then fall asleep on the sofa.

“You can join Scotland’s Fight Against Fire and significantly reduce that risk by taking a few simple steps. Make sure you have working smoke alarms. Consider fitting a heat alarm in your kitchen. Heat alarms are specially designed to quickly detect cooking fires while avoiding false alarms caused by cooking. In the event of fire, a smoke or heat alarm will alert you and give you time to react safely and sensibly. It could save your life.”

During ‘National Chip Week’ enjoy your chips safely. In addition to smoke and heat alarms, the following simple steps will help protect everyone in your home:

Use a thermostat controlled deep fat fryer

The best way to avoid having a chip pan fire is to use a thermostat controlled, electric deep fat fryer instead. The safety cut out (thermostat) controls the temperature of the fat or oil. You can even win one on Chip Week’s website (http://www.chips.lovepotatoes.co.uk/chip-n-pin). Oven chips are another safer alternative to using chip pans.

Visit a chip shop at the end of a night out

Chips are a traditional treat at the end of a night out. If you do want chips, buy them on the way home rather than attempting to cook when you get home.

Don’t cook whilst under the influence of alcohol

Cooking whilst under the influence of alcohol is a recipe for disaster. If you’re tired, have been drinking, or taking drugs, don’t cook. You will be less alert to the signs of fire, and more likely to fall asleep.

Book a FREE home fire safety visit

If you, or someone you know, is at risk from fire, we offer free Home Fire Safety Visits 7 days a week at a time that suits you. We’ll fit smoke alarms free of charge if your home requires them. Booking a visit is easy:

Call 0800 0731 999

Text ‘fire’ to 61611

Visit www.firescotland.gov.uk

If you must cook chips in a traditional chip pan you should follow these additional fire safety tips – not just during National Chip Week but all year round.

Turn the pan handle to the side so that fat or oil doesn’t get spilled by accident
Never fill the pan more than one-third full of fat or oil
Make sure chips are dry before putting them into hot fat or oil
Never walk away when the pan’s on the heat

A wide range of tips on how to keep yourself and your home safe from fire are available on the SFRS website: www.firescotland.gov.uk

SFRS recently ran a TV, radio and press advert featuring Station Commander Scott Kennedy recounting a fatal chip pan fire he attended. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wCfvMMUpeFM

While it’s better to be safe than sorry as far as cooking chips is concerned, chips clearly have their ‘plaice’ (sorry!) at the top of the charts of the nation’s favourite foods. One artistic lady is taking this love the length and breadth of the UK this week:

When a tourist thinks of Great Britain, the first things that spring to mind are our national icons such as Big Ben and Stonehenge, and our most famous dish – Fish & Chips. Other than eating a portion of chips looking over the White Cliffs of Dover, the two have never been combined – until now. To celebrate Chip Week renowned food artist Prudence Staite has recreated six British icons using 10kg of chips, including: the Angel of the North, Big Ben, the Loch Ness Monster, Stonehenge, the London Eye and the White ‘Chips’ of Dover.

Prudence Staite and her team spent six months planning, trialling and carefully constructing each sculpture. Both chip shop chips and oven chips were used, carefully selecting the perfect combination of chips for each sculpture.

Here are juicy facts on the creation of the sculptures:

· Angel of the North- 240 chips were used and took 12 hours to build

· Big Ben – 200 chips were used and took 6 hours to build

· Loch Ness Monster – 7 chips were used and took 5 hours to build

· Stone Henge -75 chips were used and took 5 hours to build

· London Eye – 207 chips were used and took 12 hours to build

· White ‘Chips’ of Dover – 70 chips were used and took 4 hours to build

Prudence said: “We had so much fun with this project, from the very first sketches to the technical challenges around how the sculptures would hold together.

“Iconic landmarks in Britain are so important to our cultural history and eating chips is such a British tradition, it felt natural to combine the two and create some history of our own. It did leave us a little hungry though!”

Yes everyone loves a chip, but one great debate still rages – salt and sauce or salt and vinegar? Food for thought …!

Trinity housebreaker snared during Operation RAC

Police in Edinburgh have arrested 20 people in the past week in connection with over 50 acquisitive crime offences, including housebreaking as part of the ongoing Operation RAC.

Since Tuesday 7 January 37 housebreaking offences, which took place in the Trinity, Murrayfield, Kirkliston , Grange and city centre areas have been solved and those responsible have been charged or reported to the Procurator Fiscal.

These arrests equate to a 52 per cent solvency rate for all reported housebreakings in Edinburgh over the course of that week.

One of the detected offences relates to the arrest of a 47-year-old man, who was apprehended on Friday 10 January in connection with three break-ins and thefts from addresses in Trinity. A large quantity of jewellery worth £10,000 was recovered and has been returned to its rightful owners.

The man was scheduled to appear at Edinburgh Sheriff Court on Monday.

Detective Inspector John Kavanagh said: “Officers across Edinburgh have been carrying out various lines of enquiry of the past week to identify those responsible for housebreaking and acquisitive crime throughout the Capital.

“As a result, 20 people have since been subject to police action and we continue to investigate further to bring more offenders to justice as part of Operation RAC.

“While we are delighted with the number of arrests being made in relation to housebreaking, we are committed to stopping the public falling victim in the first instance and we have taken a proactive approach to providing our communities with crime prevention advice if and when it is required.

“Since Operation RAC began, officers in Edinburgh have issued three times as many crime prevention surveys, which help us identify potentially vulnerable areas and in turn provide those within these areas with information and guidance on safeguarding their homes, businesses and possessions.

“Anyone wishing to complete a crime prevention survey, or who would like more information on crime prevention can contact their local policing team.”

Join Scotland’s fight against fire

Members of the public have been urged to help firefighters reach vulnerable residents so they can prevent house fires and the deaths, injuries and emotional trauma they cause.

Assistant Chief Officer (ACO) Lewis Ramsay, the SFRS Director of Prevention and Protection, explained: “Fire in the home can be both terrifying and tragic, but simple steps will significantly reduce the risk of it happening to us.

“I am calling on everyone to consider the risks in their homes and the homes of people around them, and then to take potentially life-saving action.

“Firefighters have the terrible experience of attending serious fires, where people have been killed or injured, that need never have happened.

“My message to everyone is don’t let that happen to you or the people around you. Everyone can save lives and protect themselves and their families, friends and neighbours from fire.”

The latest stage of the Join Scotland’s Fight Against Fire campaign emphasises the need for all homes to be protected by working smoke alarms, which are known to have a dramatic impact in preventing injuries and deaths.

People should also consider fitting a heat alarm within kitchens – the room where most house fires start – as the devices are specifically designed to give early warning of fire.

ACO Ramsay continued: “The evidence is clear – working smoke alarms have saved lives and are absolutely essential items for every household.

“It is widely acknowledged that working smoke detectors raise the alarm very quickly, meaning there is less chance of fire causing serious injury to people and damage to property.

“More homes than ever are now protected by these life-saving devices and that has led to a noticeable reduction in the severity of the house fires we are called to tackle.

“Incidents where fire spread beyond the item that first ignited to engulf the whole room have fallen by 10 per cent, while cases where the fire spread to damage other parts of the house have fallen by 16 per cent.

“By quickly alerting people to the presence of fire, working smoke alarms give residents the time they need to get out and call us out.

“That not only prevents serious injury or worse, it also means firefighters can bring a fire under control before flames, toxic smoke and heat cause severe damage to a home and rob householders of cherished possessions.”

In an advert airing on television and radio over the coming days, a serving firefighter will share her memory of attending a house fire where a woman was killed.

Watch Manager Andrea Sutherland recalls how she and her crew found a woman in the living room, which was full with lethal levels of toxic smoke – even though the fire had burned itself out without spreading from the kitchen.

In a direct plea for the public to recognise the risks and make sure their smoke alarms work, Watch Manager Sutherland explains: “The lady had simply put something to cook in the oven.

“Like many people’s cookers, her oven door had a handle where she hung oven gloves and a tea towel.

“As she slept the heat from the oven must have built up until it set the tea towel on fire.

“A neighbour spotted the smoke and called us. There were two smoke alarms fitted in the house but she had removed the batteries.

“People often do this because they don’t like the alarm going off when they are cooking – but if this lady had kept her batteries in, she would probably still be alive today.”

In its Join Scotland’s Fight Against Fire campaign, SFRS is determined to help the public understand how easily fire can start within the home, as well as the simple precautions that save lives and property when fire does start.

As a routine part of their duties firefighters throughout the country deliver expert advice to help residents keep their homes safe, and SFRS wants the public to help it reach those most at risk.

ACO Ramsay added: “In the past year our crews conducted more than 56,000 free home fire safety visits, where they gave residents tips to prevent fire starting and to buy vital time if it does strike.

“Firefighters conducting free home fire safety visits will even install long life battery smoke alarms wherever they are needed – and it’s completely free of charge.

“It is a hugely popular and beneficial programme that gives vulnerable members of our community friendly support and some very welcome reassurance.

“We need help from members of the public to reach those most at risk. If you keep an eye on a vulnerable relative, friend or neighbour then put them in contact with us – it could save their life.”

Anyone can arrange a free home fire safety visit by calling the SFRS Freephone number 0800 0731 999 or by contacting their local fire station.

Further information on how to keep your home fire safe is available on the SFRS website: www.firescotland.gov.uk.

Robbery at Boswall bakery

Police are investigating a robbery of Gregg’s bakery on Boswall Parkway in the early hours of this morning (Tuesday 7 January.)

Just before 6am the female shop assistant arrived at the premises to open up the store by raising the shutters and unlocking the front door. The two armed males then forced there way in behind her and made demands.

They then proceeded to take an amount of cash from the premises before running off in the direction of Crewe Place. One suspect was then seen getting into a vehicle, which was lost to sight at the junction of Crewe Place and Pilton Avenue.

The first suspect is described as white, 5ft 10in, early 20s, slight build, wearing dark clothing with the hood up and a black balaclava or a scarf covering the face and wearing gloves and with a local accent.

The second suspect is described as white, early 20s, 5ft 8in, slight build, wearing a red hooded top with the hood up and dark body warmer on top, a scarf over his face up to his nose, and with a local accent.

The vehicle is described as a dark hatchback.

Detective Constable Alison Wyllie from Police Scotland said: “This was a terrifying experience for the female assistant who was opening up the shop alone and in the early hours of the morning. We ask that anyone who recognises the description of the suspect or witnessed events unfold, to contact police immediately.”

Anyone with any information should contact Police Scotland on 101 or the charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

Witnesses appeal following Granton Ladbrokes robbery

A police investigation is ongoing following a robbery at a Ladbrokes bookmakers on West Granton Road on Thursday evening.

The incident took place just before 9.30pm when two men walked into the bookmakers and demanded that staff hand over money. A three-figure sum was taken during the incident.

A third suspect is believed to have been in the vicinity at the time of the robbery.

The first suspect is described as white, male, 5ft 9in tall, skinny build, late teens to early 20s, local accent, wearing a dark hooded top, dark scarf covering his face, dark tracksuit bottoms.

The second suspect is described as white, male, 5ft 9in, skinny build, late teens to early 20s, dark clothing with his face covered.

The third suspect is described as white male, 5ft 9in, medium build, wearing a black hooded top with the hood up and grey joggers.

Detective Constable Alison Wyllie said: “This was a terrifying incident for the staff member who was working alone in the premises, and we are keen for anyone who was in the area at the time, or who recognises the description of the suspects to get in touch with police immediately.”

Enquiries are ongoing and anyone with any information should contact Police Scotland on 101, or Crimestoppers in confidence and complete anonymity on 0800 555 111.

Let’s make this a Hogmanay to remember

Chief Medical Officer calls for responsible drinking over Hogmanay

Scotland’s Chief Medical Officer, Sir Harry Burns, has urged revellers to take care this Hogmanay.

Sir Harry said: “Whether you are seeing in the bells at one of Scotland’s outdoor parties or in the company of close friends and family, Hogmanay is a wonderful time of the year to be enjoyed.

“Everyone should have a night to remember and this means taking responsibility for your drinking.

“There are simply too many people across Scotland drinking too much alcohol and putting their health at risk. You shouldn’t think this happens only to other people, alcohol misuse affects people across society. There’s nothing wrong with having a drink, as long as it’s done safely and not to excess.

“If you are planning to drink this New Year’s Eve then enjoy a good meal before you go out. It’s also important to keep track of what you are drinking. Cocktails and generous home pours can contain much more alcohol that you might think.”

“Missing a round of drinks is absolutely fine. It’s good to be sociable but don’t let others dictate your pace. You don’t need to drink alcohol throughout the night, having a soft drink or a glass of water will help you feel much better in the morning and let you enjoy the festivities until much later.

“Many people will be setting themselves the challenge to lose weight or to become healthier next year. One of the easiest ways to achieve both is to cut back on the how much and how often you drink. Small changes in your alcohol consumption will make a big difference to your health at the end of 2014.”

“I want everyone to enjoy Hogmanay and remind them this can be done without drinking too much. Keep warm, keep safe and remember if you are planning to drive the next morning be very careful the night before”

The message comes the day after Justice Minister Kenny MacAskill met representatives from Best Bar None and Police Scotland to hear their plans for ensuring everyone in the capital and beyond enjoys a safe and happy Hogmanay 2013.

For more information on responsible drinking visit http://www.drinksmarter.org/

Police launch national campaign to target housebreaking

Police Scotland has today launched a national campaign to tackle housebreaking across the country. Operation RAC will be implemented in various areas throughout Scotland to identify those responsible for break-ins and thefts and bring them to justice.

Since 1 April Police Scotland has provided dedicated resources to communities to tackle crimes of violence, sexual assaults and domestic abuse and as a result, greater numbers of these offences are being reported and solved. During this time, the Force has observed an overall increase of around 4% in housebreaking, with a number of areas reporting greater levels of crime than the national average.

As part of Police Scotland’s commitment to community engagement, housebreaking has been identified as a local priority for certain regions and these divisions will now be provided with additional resources and support to address the issue.

The operation will initially run within Edinburgh, Forth Valley, the Lothians and Scottish Borders, Fife, Highlands and Islands, Aberdeenshire and Moray, Aberdeen city and Lanarkshire. In each location, dedicated policing teams have been created to exclusively investigate housebreakings within homes, outbuildings and businesses and apprehend the individuals responsible.

Housebreaking offences will continue to be monitored throughout Scotland and extra support can be provided to any area requiring a more robust response to tackle this issue.

Throughout Operation RAC, Police Scotland will work closely with partners at COPFS to ensure housebreakers are being appropriately dealt with and removed from communities where possible.

Assistant Chief Constable Wayne Mawson said: “Police Scotland remains committed to keeping people safe and I am delighted with the professionalism and dedication our officers have shown as part of our continued focus towards violence reduction.

“We recently launched our local policing campaign, which provides us with the opportunity to speak with individual communities and identify the issues or concerns specifically affecting their area. As a result, housebreaking has been highlighted as a priority for a number of our divisions and officers in these areas will be taking targeted action to detect anyone involved and deter further offences from occurring.

“We are keen to work not only with our partner agencies, but with our communities to address the issue of housebreaking and crime prevention advice for safeguarding your home, shed, outbuildings and businesses can be found on our website – www.scotland.police.uk

“I say this message directly to those intent on committing housebreakings in Scotland – if you engage in this invasive and distressing form of crime, we will use every resource at our disposal to remove you from our communities and ensure you spend time behind bars.”

Scotland’s battle with the bottle

One in two Scots harmed as a result of someone else’s drinking

More needs to be done to raise awareness about the negative effects of other peoples’ drinking, according to Alcohol Focus Scotland. The charity has published research which examines for the first time how alcohol impacts on people around the drinker causing stress, distress and disharmony to family members, friends, colleagues and the wider community.

The research found:

1 in 2 people report being harmed as a result of someone else’s drinking
1 in 3 people report having heavy drinkers in their lives
Younger people under 35 are four times more likely to report harm from others in public places, such as on the stress or in the workplace
Those who know heavy drinkers are more likely to report harm from others in private settings such as at home, or with neighbours or friends
Experiencing harm from other people’s drinking is not related to whether the person affected by the harm drinks or not.

Dr Evelyn Gillan, Chief Executive of Alcohol Focus Scotland said:

“Our research shows just how far-reaching alcohol harm is. One in two Scots are affected in some way by other people’s drinking. This can range from feeling uneay at aggressive behaviour on the bus, picking up the slack at work becuase a colleague has called in sick with a hangover, or children living with heavy drinking parents and the strain this inevitably places on family life.

“Many of these problems are not being reported, either because they are simply tolerated or because they are going on behind closed doors. When people began to understand the negative effects of passive smoking, action was taken. It’s time we started to think beyond the individual drinker to consider how we can protect people from the second-hand effects of drinking.

“If we want to reduce the harm that alcohol causes, then we must tackle the widespread availability and promotion of cheap alcohol through measures such as minimum pricing. But we also need to ensure that individuals, families, workplaces and communities who are being negatively affected by other people’s drinking, receive the support they require.”

Sam Anderson, Director at The Junction, a young people’s health and wellbeing project in North Edinburgh which took part in the research said:

“Young people are often identified as one of the groups who are ‘problem drinkers’. However, our work with young people shows us that they are often negatively affected by someone else’s drinking. That could be a parent, a friend, or a stranger in the street. This can cause stress, worry and in more extreme cases, depression, panic attacks and self-harm. This is a big issue and more needs to be done to support young people who are being negatively affected. The Junction has recently launched a new pilot project funded by Edinburgh ADP which will support young people in this situation in the north Edinburgh area.”

Police Officer Geraldine Richardson, who participated in the research, added:

“I often see neighbours being put under stress by someone who has had too much to drink. For example, a drunk person can’t get their key in the lock so they buzz every flat or bang on the doors. This can be particularly distressing for older people. They are just at home minding their own business and they’re being disturbed by someone who has been drinking.

“People can struggle to get up for work as they’ve had to endure music, shouting and partying all through the night. It can lead to poor relationships with neighbours. Police Scotland will do what it can to help people keep safe in their own homes.”

Police appeal following local bogus workman incidents

Police in Edinburgh are appealing for witnesses following bogus workman incidents in Drylaw, Craigleith and Pilton.

The most recent incident happened around 10.30am last Thursday (7 November). The 78-year-old victim was in her Queens Road home when the male suspect called there offering to carry out gardening work. The offer was repeatedly declined, however the suspect managed to gain entry to the house where he was later disturbed and fled the scene empty handed.

The other incidents happened the previous day (Wednesday 6 November) in the Drylaw area. The first two incidents happened around 1pm in Easter Drylaw Avenue and Easter Drylaw Gardens respectively, when again gardening work was offered. The residents who were approached declined the offer, but during one attempt the suspect falsely told the victim that their gardening work, which is carried out by the council, had been withdrawn.

The later incident happened around 3.15pm at West Pilton Drive.

The suspect is described as white, late-thirties or early-forties, around 5ft 10inches, tall, slim build, short dark hair, of tidy appearance with an Irish accent. He was wearing a white sweatshirt with navy horizontal stripes, navy coloured jeans, carrying a dark brown shoulder bag.

Detective Constable Ben Leathes from Operation Aristotle, which tackles bogus callers in the Capital said: “The elderly victim has been left very upset that the man had entered her home. Bogus workmen target vulnerable members of our community and utilise various methods of deception to do so.

“Members of the public are reminded never to allow a caller into their home unless entirely certain of their identity. If you have any doubts, do not let them in and contact police immediately.

“Similarly, anyone requiring maintenance or repair work for their home should only use a company or individual whom they trust and never hand over money to anyone who cold-calls at your door.

“Neighbours and family of vulnerable people are also asked to be vigilant for suspicious people in their area and report any concerns for a member of the community to police immediately.

“Anyone wishing advice on crime prevention can dial 101 or contact their local policing team.”

Anyone with information can contact Police Scotland on 101, or anonymously through Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

Council unveils winter weather plans

The City of Edinburgh Council has announced plans for how the city will cope with potentially severe weather this winter.

Be Prepared for Winter will also provide up-to-date information to residents through targeted advertising in the print and broadcast media, supported with comprehensive information on the Council’s website plus leaflets and posters.

Salt stocks of 16,000 tonnes have been stockpiled at the Council’s four depots, and the city’s 2,200 salt bins will be refilled on a programmed basis. This amount is more than is required to last an entire winter season.

The city’s roads will be gritted according to which category they fall under: Priority 1 roads are main and essential routes that are pre-treated when frost or snow is forecast and receive priority treatment during snow. Traffic Regulations Orders will be enforced on certain roads this winter to allow better access for gritters, emergency vehicles and buses, where parking has caused obstruction in the past.

Residential roads fall under the Priority 2 category, and will be treated when there is a severe weather event after Priority 1 routes are clear.

High priority pavements will be treated 24 hours a day, seven days a week in times of bad weather. The North Edinburgh Cycle network and the Innocent Railway cycle route have been classed with high priority pavement routes for the second year in a row.

The Council website will be regularly updated throughout the winter and includes gritting routes, salt bins, a video encouraging residents to clear snow and ice, and information about becoming a volunteer snow warden.

Councillor Lesley Hinds, Environment Convener for the City of Edinburgh Council, said: “Although last winter was milder than the 2009/10 and 2010/11, it is important that we continue to be vigilant in preparing for whatever this winter throws at us. In 2010/11 we experienced some of the worst conditions in almost half a century and our chief priority if this happens again is to keep the city moving.

“Our Be Prepared for Winter campaign will use our website and social and local media to alert residents about plans for the next day, such as gritting, waste collection services and schools. We’ve also got maps on our website showing gritting routes and salt bin locations throughout the winter. There are more than enough stocks of salt and grit, and the fleet of specialist snow clearing vehicles is ready to go.”

The Council’s campaign follows the launch of similar winter campaigns by the

Scottish Government and NHS Scotland.