National Fire Chiefs Council - NFCC

Spending more time on your balcony? Please take a moment to think about fire safety and help protect your home and those around you.

Small precautions can make a big difference in keeping you and your home safe.

Urgent Safety Message: Red Heat Alert Issued Across Parts of the UK

As the weather starts to draw people outdoors, the National Fire Chiefs Council (NFCC) is urging people to take extra care as a rare Met Office red extreme heat warning comes into force across parts of southern England and Wales, with temperatures expected to reach up to 38°C.
NFCC has highlighted the very real risks extreme heat presents.

We have already seen the tragic impact of recent hot weather, with 19 lives lost to accidental drowning incidents in just one week, and over 200 water-related fatalities recorded last year. As temperatures rise, so too does the risk - particularly around open water where cold water shock remains a serious and often underestimated danger.

At the same time, prolonged dry conditions are increasing the likelihood of wildfires, with over 300 incidents already recorded across England and Wales this year. Many of these are preventable and linked to everyday activities such as disposable BBQs and discarded smoking materials.

Help spread the word about water safety advice:

- Speak to young people about the dangers of open water.
- Swim in supervised locations and do not jump into water to cool off or enter the water if you been drinking alcohol.
- Never enter the water to attempt a rescue – instead call 999 immediately.
- If spending time in, on or around water, install location apps such as what3 words so if an incident should happen emergency services know where you are.
- Make sure you know how to help yourself and other people in the event of a water-related emergency.

You can read more here:
https://nfcc.org.uk/fire-chiefs-issue-urgent-safety-warning-as-parts-of-the-uk-face-rare-red-heat-alert/

With hot weather forecast, having a conversation with your teenager might be lifesaving.
https://rlssuk.co.uk/3SaJPDU

The Met Office has forecast rising temperatures this week, with parts of the UK reaching 28°C towards the weekend.

With exams finishing and the school term coming to a close, NOW is the time to talk to your teenager about water safety.

Worried they won’t listen? This guide shows you how to say it so they will.

Don’t miss the conversation that matters most.
https://rlssuk.co.uk/3SaJPDU

Have the conversation that could save their life.
Teenagers and young adults often take risks around water. We urge parents and carers to speak to young people about water safety.
Royal Life Saving Society UK - RLSS UK has a guide with practical wording to help have a life-saving conversation. Access the guide: https://www.rlss.org.uk/water-safety-for-teenagers

48% of accidental drownings happen between June and August*
Warm weather. Cold water. Real danger.
If you fall in or get into trouble, stay calm.
Float on your back and call for help.
See someone struggling? Throw something that floats, like a football.
Call 999, ask for the Coastguard if you’re at the coast.
Never enter the water to attempt a rescue.
Make sure your group knows what to do. It could save a life.
Start by taking 5 minutes to learn the water safety code: www.rlss.org.uk/water-safety-code
*WAID 2025

We're supporting Week with Royal Life Saving Society UK - RLSS UK
The campaign helps children aged 5-17 learn essential water safety skills ahead of the summer holidays.
Please share to help spread this life-saving message: www.rlss.org.uk/drowning-prevention-week

Great advice from our friends at StayWise. Visit their website full of free trusted educational safety resources to help keep children and young people safe this summer. Register now!

🚴‍♂️ Wishing Gary the very best of luck!

Today UK Fire Cadets National Co-ordinator, Gary Williams, is taking on an incredible challenge – cycling to 9 Derbyshire Fire & Rescue Service fire stations, covering 99 miles in just 9 hours as part of the 999 Challenge.

This isn’t just a physical test, it’s a powerful way to support the Fire Fighters Charity, which provides vital care and support to the UK’s fire family, especially when they need it most.

Gary’s motivation is personal, and every donation will help him give something back to a charity that has already supported his family.

👏 Let’s get behind him, cheer him on, and help him smash his target!

👉 Support Gary’s challenge and donate here: https://www.justgiving.com/page/gary-williams-999-ride-challenge

Every pound makes a difference – and will help keep Gary pedalling all the way to the finish line 💪

Derbyshire Live Derbyshire Times