Tag: public safety

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.

Man charged over illegal COVID gatherings

A man has been arrested and charged by Police Scotland in connection with culpable and reckless conduct after two unlawful gatherings were held in Edinburgh.

The first was held during the afternoon of Saturday, 5 September, and the second on Thursday, 10 September, outside the Scottish Parliament and in the surrounding areas.

A 60-year-old man has now been charged in connection with both gatherings, which were held in opposition to the Covid-19 restrictions, and a report will be submitted to the Procurator Fiscal.

Superintendent David Robertson of Edinburgh Division said: “Officers attended both of these gatherings to help ensure the safety of the public and to remind those attending to adhere to the current guidelines.

“We engaged with a number of people and encouraged them to comply with the law. As we have routinely said, enforcement will be a last resort but we will use the powers at our disposal where required to do so.

“We are asking people to take personal responsibility and remember that the purpose of these measures is to aid the collective effort to stay safe, protect others and save lives by preventing the virus from spreading.”

Interactive online quiz launched to help keep Scottish homes safe from fire

A new online fire safety quiz has been launched by the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service to support people to stay safe at home – and potentially save lives.

The ‘Fire Safety in the Home – Self Assessment’ survey asks a series of simple questions and then automatically generates a home fire safety report for them.

People are also encouraged to sign up for a free Home Fire Safety Visit from firefighters who can provide further safety advice, check smoke detectors and fire evacuation plans. These visits would be conducted in line with present social distancing and safety restrictions.

The quiz could help to save lives and property, says the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service’s head of prevention and protection, Alasdair Perry.

He commented: “This is a fantastic resource that can help people stay safe in their own homes – and they can even take the quiz on behalf of a relative or neighbour to help keep them safe too.

“The questions and the advice are simple and straightforward – but heeding that advice could help save a life, or prevent an emergency from occurring in the first place.

“We would encourage as many people as possible who have access to the internet to take the quiz, for your own home and for any others you may know who would benefit.”

The quiz goes through topics such as heat and smoke detectors, electrical sockets and smoking in bed, with potentially life-saving advice appearing on screen where needed and depending on the answers given by the user.

The tool also encourages users to sign up for a Home Fire Safety Visit – limited numbers of which are currently being carried out to those who are at highest risk of fire in the home during the coronavirus pandemic.

The senior officer continued: “While this tool is incredibly useful, it does not replace our free Home Fire Safety Visit service, and we remain committed to reaching the most vulnerable people in our communities to help them stay safe.

“That is why we are encouraging people to get in touch with us if they believe someone they know is at risk, or if they are over 50, smoke and also either live alone, use medical oxygen or have mobility issues.

“If you do not fall into a high risk category, you will still be placed on the waiting list for a visit from our highly trained crews, to be carried out when it is safe to do so.

“By working together with our communities, we can continue to drive down the number of completely unavoidable fires we see in Scotland’s homes, and the number of avoidable injuries we see as a result.”

To use the interactive tool, visit: 

https://www.firescotland.gov.uk/your-safety/online-hfsv-checker.aspx

For more information on free Home Fire Safety Visits, go to:

 https://www.firescotland.gov.uk/your-safety/for-householders/home-fire-safety-visit.aspx

Behave!

Antisocial Behaviour & Disturbances in Edinburgh

With temperatures on the rise again today Police in Edinburgh have made a public appeal for people to behave responsibly:

Last weekend saw an increase in antisocial behaviour and disorder, particularly at Portobello Beach and the Meadows. Dedicated officers will be on patrol this afternoon and over the weekend, focussing on engagement and early intervention, particularly in these areas.

Officers would like to remind the public that we still need to control the spread of Coronavirus and follow the guidelines from the Scottish Government.

Superintendent David Robertson from St Leonard’s Police Station said: “Last weekend saw small groups of individuals, intent on trouble, engage in antisocial behaviour, risking public health and disrupting the enjoyment of the Meadows and Portobello beach for those wishing to do so responsibility. Let me be clear that this behaviour is unacceptable and will not be tolerated.

“Officers will be on patrol in these areas this afternoon and over the weekend and will continue to engage with the public, explain the legislation and guidance and encourage compliance. We will use enforcement as a last resort only where there is a clear breach of the legislation. Our ultimate aim over the weekend is to prevent further disorder.

“Officers have been specifically briefed in respect of early intervention, engagement and will make use of the Edinburgh street drinking byelaw, where it is necessary and proportionate to do so in order to prevent antisocial behaviour. As was the case last weekend, those identified as being involved in antisocial behaviour and disorder will be arrested and charged accordingly.”

“The Chief Constable has made it clear that we are asking people to take personal responsibility to do the right thing and remember the purpose of these measures is to aid the collective effort to stay safe, protect others and save lives by preventing the virus from spreading.

“Aberdeen going into lockdown is a stark reminder that the virus is still very present and posing a threat to our communities. It also underpins the importance of continuing to follow the Scottish Government guidance.”

Silverknowes Road closed as council introduces emergency measures

The City of Edinburgh Council is set to introduce emergency measures to help pedestrians and cyclists to travel safely while observing physical distancing guidance.

The council has been working closely with Transport Scotland and Sustrans to develop an approach to re-designating road space. This will benefit from support from a £10m fund to help local authorities introduce temporary active travel solutions, announced by the Cabinet Secretary Michael Matheson on Tuesday.

Over the coming weeks Edinburgh will be implementing several changes to help prioritise walking and cycling. Immediate actions will tackle areas highlighted as pinch points for pedestrians and cyclists and will include some road lane closures and the implementation of temporary cycle lanes.

There has been significant, understandable public demand for action to help facilitate safe daily exercise and the movement of essential workers.

In the medium term, as lockdown measures continue and are eventually eased, the council will develop a citywide approach to more significant changes, such as expanded cycle lanes and the creation of bus gates.

Longer term, it is proposed that progress on more permanent schemes under the Active Travel Programme is brought forward.

Council Leader Adam McVey said: The way we move around the city has changed significantly over recent weeks and it’s clear that we need to respond to this.

“We’ve been working closely with the Scottish Government to develop measures to help pedestrians and cyclists travel safely while remaining socially distant, so we’re delighted that Transport Scotland has confirmed funding to support local authorities to meet this challenge.

“Our commitment to encouraging and facilitating safer, more convenient walking and cycling in Edinburgh remains as strong as ever. We want to ensure that our city can support essential journeys and let local people access their local open spaces by creating safe, accessible routes to do so.”

Depute Leader Cammy Day said: “As we plan for the city’s recovery, we must consider ways in which we can help people make daily journeys while limiting the potential impact of coronavirus, and maintaining physical distancing is essential to this.

“We’re going to be making changes around the city over the coming weeks to achieve this, as well as progressing plans to further improve infrastructure as we emerge from the crisis.”

Immediate measures will include the closure of the following roads:

  • Silverknowes Road (implemented by today – Thursday, 30 April)
  • Braid Road (implemented by Sunday, 3 May)
  • Links Gardens (implemented by Sunday, 3 May)

These locations have been identified in close dialogue with relevant Council services and Police Scotland who have expressed concerns in each area.

Further emergency measures are being investigated for implementation in the weeks beginning 4 May and 11 May and these will be communicated as soon as possible.

The council will continue to address other ‘pinch points’ and local issues, making use of Temporary Traffic Regulation Orders where necessary, which allow urgent amendments to be made to road layouts to help create more space for people on foot or bike.

The next steps will see a report brought to the Policy and Sustainability Committee in May outlining a citywide plan for more significant changes to the road network to create additional space for walking and cycling.

Alongside this, council officers will be investigating early delivery of some of our more ambitious active travel projects which will help people to make essential journeys safely and quickly as we move towards a new normal.

Further information on the Council’s response to the coronavirus outbreak is available online.

Say NO to sky lanterns, says Fire chief

A campaign encouraging the public to light sky lanterns in a show of solidarity for NHS workers could place “unnecessary pressure” on the emergency services, the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS) has warned. 

The campaign, which calls for the public to release lanterns from gardens and driveways in support for the NHS, follows the popular #ClapForOurCarers social media campaign.

It comes days after the SFRS stressed that Scotland’s countryside is currently “vulnerable” to wildfire, and as the emergency services continue to support partners and protect the public amid the Coronavirus pandemic.

Alasdair Perry, SFRS Deputy Assistant Chief Officer, said: “We fully appreciate that people want to show their support for the NHS, however we must discourage the lighting of sky lanterns.

“These lanterns may look striking when lit, but when released they pose a significant threat of fire and can have devastating consequences – for rural environments, property and wildlife.

“This is clearly a challenging time for the emergency services due to COVID-19, and while the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service maintains a high resilience across Scotland, we would seek to avoid any unnecessary demand on our service so we can target our resources most effectively in supporting our partners and meeting the needs of Scotland’s communities.

“Traditionally, this is a period when we see a high volume of large wildfires in Scotland, due to a build-up of dead vegetation in our countryside, and rising temperatures. We can’t risk adding a potential ignition to that mix.

“While I fully understand people wanting to show their support to the NHS, I would encourage people to find a different way to do this.

“Our message is clear: please do not release lit sky lanterns, and risk potentially placing unnecessary pressure on the emergency services.”

Council to close Waverley Bridge to daytime traffic every weekend until New Year

Council public safety officers have approved a series of temporary changes on Waverley Bridge to ensure safety and accessibility at peak times during weekends over the festive period.

Waverley Bridge will be vehicle-free from 11am until 5pm on Saturdays and Sundays from 16/17 November to 4/5 January. The Waverley Bridge five-bay taxi rank will be relocated to Market Street (East bound opposite Motel One) during this time and the Tour and Airlink buses normally stationed on Waverley Bridge will now operate from George Street and St Andrew Square respectively.

These measures have been planned following recommendations from the Council’s Event Planning and Operations Group as well as an independent crowd safety consultant working with the Council and Underbelly to manage the entry and exit points and the busy junction on Waverley Bridge.

Transport Convener Councillor Lesley Macinnes (above) said: “The festive season is extremely busy in the city centre with Edinburgh’s Christmas in full swing in East Princes Street Gardens as well as a significant increase in shoppers and other seasonal activities.

“In a thriving and busy festival city such as ours we must make sure we put in place appropriate plans to ensure the safety and wellbeing of the many residents and visitors who pass through our streets every day.

“These six-hour-long daytime Saturday and Sunday closures on Waverley Bridge will ease congestion on the busy pavements and crossings, making it much easier for everyone to move around in a relaxed, welcoming and festive atmosphere.

“This ties in with our broader aims to make Edinburgh a more attractive, people-friendly place, prioritising walking, cycling and public transport.

“It’s crucial that we also maintain transport links for the people who live and work here and we have been working closely with residents and businesses to make sure these measures allow them to continue with their usual daily routines.”

A spokesperson for Underbelly said, “We welcome the decision to close Waverley Bridge during the busiest periods in the city centre.

“During these busy times, on Saturday and Sunday between 11am and 5pm it will allow us to make the primary East End entrance to East Princes Street Gardens on the corner of Market Street and Waverley Bridge, where crowd management controls including queuing systems will be in place to manage entry.”

Union concerns for tenants’ safety as service faces cuts

cooncilhooses

UNISON’s Edinburgh branch is warning that cuts to the council’s Private Rented Service Team could threaten safer housing for private tenants and lose the council hundreds of thousands in income. Continue reading Union concerns for tenants’ safety as service faces cuts