Your monthly newsletter from West Midlands Fire Service
Hello and welcome to your May update!
With the warmer weather upon us, it's a great time to check in on friends, family, and neighbours - especially those who might need a little extra support.
As temperatures rise, the temptation to cool off in open water increases. We want to remind everyone that open water swimming can be extremely dangerous.
Read on for more advice.
Open Water Safety
While the sun may be shining, bodies of water like canals, quarries, and the sea remain significantly colder than the air temperature. This can lead to cold water shock, increasing the risk of drowning. Our advice is not to enter or jump into open water due to how dangerous it can be.
If you or someone else gets into difficulty, remember: Float to Live. Here's what to do:
tilt your head back with your ears submerged
try to relax and breathe normally
move your hands to help you float
spread your arms and legs out.
Once your breathing is controlled, call for help or, if you can, swim to safety.
avoid burning rubbish. Fires that cause a nuisance can lead to hefty fines. We only attend unattended or out-of-control fires. If you see one, call 999 or 112 immediately
keep escape routes clear. Don't let waste pile up near exits or in stairwells
never use naked flames near rubbish.
dispose of cigarettes safely - don't throw them down bin chutes or into waste piles. Always fully extinguish them in an ashtray or a dedicated outdoor bin
dispose of batteries responsibly. Rechargeable lithium-ion batteries that are damaged or not disposed of properly can start fires. Take them to a designated recycling point - you'll find them at most supermarkets, or check your council website for information on where to recycle them.
Last month, we launched a fresh look for West Midlands Fire Service. Firefighters and other staff across the service are now sporting button-up shirts featuring our new logo on the chest and historic crest on the sleeve.
There's some pictures below so you can familiarise yourself with how it looks.
It's not uncommon for a change of uniform to cause some confusion. If you're ever unsure about a WMFS staff member, remember that everyone carries official identification and will never mind presenting it to you.
May Bank Holidays
A quick reminder that we have two bank holidays to look forward this month, hurray! These fall on Monday 5 May and Monday 26 May. Why not use our reminder as an opportunity to test your fire alarms?
Events and Open Days
This week, details about summer open days at Ward End, Coventry and Sutton Coldfield have been added to our website. They’re free to attend and a fantastic day out for you and the family. We kindly ask you RSVP on our website if you’re planning on coming along – it helps us with things like catering. See you there!
Happy Birthday, Giddy!
We're wrapping up May's newsletter with a big Happy Birthday to our Fire Investigation Dog, Giddy. She recently celebrated her third birthday, and these pictures were too good not to share!
