6 minute read
ElECTRICal safETY fOR CHIldREN
for some to snuggle up to your significant other, their body heat will only transfer to you, so use separate covers and if you can and swap out your duvet for a thin cotton sheet.
Avoid daytime naps
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Hot weather can make us sleepy; as tempting as it is to have a daytime nap in the glorious sunshine, don’t. Multiple sources, such as weather presenter Abbie Dewhurst and Doctor Azmain, recommend saving your precious sleep for night time by staying in your normal routine.
Put your feet in a bowl of lukewarm water
Much like a lukewarm hot water bottle, putting your feet in a bowl of tepid water offers a longerlasting cooling process. It also avoids the shock of using ice-cold water, which can jar you awake and make it harder to get to sleep.
Open your loft hatch
Heat rises, meaning it will be hotter if your bedroom is on the top floor. According to experts, opening your loft hatch is one way to get rid of the accumulated hot air by allowing it to escape somewhere else.
Use Aloe Vera Meteorologist Jodi Kodesh states that using Aloe Vera before bed can be even better than taking a cold shower because it absorbs into the body four times quicker than water. Apply it to your skin just before bed for a cooling effect.
Shut out the sunlight
One of the main things to help alleviate the comfort of a hot night’s sleep is to keep your house cool during the day. To do this, ensure you are shutting out the sunlight, particularly in your bedroom, by keeping blinds and curtains closed.
Swap your sheets
Lastly, why not replace your sheets and pillowcases with ones made from natural materials such as linen, bamboo and cotton. Not only are they soft and breathable - perfect for the summer heat - they also draw away moisture more effectively.
lEadERs wElCOME NEw pOlICY CENTRE
South Yorkshire’s Mayor and the Leader of Sheffield City Council have welcomed the announcement of the new Sheffield Policy Campus. The plan to create a major policy campus in Sheffield forms part of the wider work by the Civil Service to de-centralise policy and decision-making out of Whitehall. Sheffield is already a leading location for policy making, and Yorkshire is home to one of the largest numbers of Civil Servants outside of London. South Yorkshire’s Mayor Oliver Coppard said: “Sheffield has been the hidden home of the Civil Service for years, so today’s announcement is both welcome recognition and a significant opportunity to build on our very real leadership in UK policy making. That new Policy Campus will not just offer thought leadership now, but a very real talent pipeline focussed on the policy profession right here in our region. That will mean policy apprenticeships, piloting of a regional Fast Stream programme and highquality learning across the board. This is a huge opportunity to help break down barriers between Whitehall and local and regional government and help us work together for the benefit of everyone across the UK. Step by step, ‘stay near and go far’ is becoming a reality in South Yorkshire.”
With Child Safety Week just around the corner, NICEIC – the UK’s leading body for certified electrical businesses – is reminding parents about the importance of having sufficient measures in place to ensure electrical safety in the home for the whole family, and this year’s theme is ‘Safety Made Simple’. ‘Safety Made Simple’ provides parents with the simple changes they can make to stop the scariest of accidents happening within the home. Offering easy solutions that can fit into busy routines, the theme acknowledges the dangers that youngsters face both inside and outside of the home. In support, NICEIC says that there will be a proportion of the nation’s families who are unaware of the electrical dangers that can exist around the home; whilst for others, they may be aware but too busy to keep up with simple maintenance and vital periodic checks. Paul Collins, Technical Director at NICEIC, has provided some simple advice for families to stay safe within the home.
Councillor Tom Hunt said “The new Policy Campus is a fantastic opportunity for policy making in the UK. I look forward to the Civil Service working alongside the council, local business, and communities to make better decisions.
Paul says: “It’s no secret that electrical devices such as tablets and video games are becoming the chosen choice of entertainment for many children. As a result, many tech-savvy kids are unknowingly leaving themselves open to serious electrical dangers. Should devices such as these be handled incorrectly, especially by children, the consequences are frightening. That’s why we want to encourage parents to take on some simple checks and measures in order to safeguard their family in and around the home. All of these devices need to be plugged in at some point in the home and parents should not overlook the potential risks surrounding these. It’s vital that the socket-outlet is not overloaded, as this can increase the risk of a fire in the home. Other simple precautions that parents can take include keeping electrical cords out of reach, checking cables for damage, keeping appliances off when not in use and never leaving younger children unattended when using a device still connected to the mains. The charity Electrical Safety First has also done some fantastic work around highlighting the sale of dangerous goods via online marketplaces. We support in their message and urge parents to shop safely online and only buy goods from reputable retailers.” With summer just around the corner, parents must not overlook the potential hazards playing in the garden may bring. The garden poses particular electrical safety risks due to the added potential for water and electricity to mix – especially with children dipping in and out of paddling pools. Paul continues: “When using electrical equipment outside, it’s important to make sure all electrical appliances are using a residual current device (RCD). An RCD is a safety device that automatically turns off electricity if a fault has been discovered. Another important tip that may be surprising to parents is to not rely on plastic plug in socket covers. Regular sockets, that comply with British safety standards, have a built-in protection mechanism already and socket covers will not prevent electric shock if the installation is not safe.”
Crucially, NICEIC recommends that any electrical work in the home should be conducted by a certified business, such as those listed with the NICEIC, as even the seemingly simplest of jobs can be incredibly dangerous if not installed properly. Discussing the importance of child safety at home, Rory Carroll from the UK’s leading charity Electrical Safety First comments: “In the UK, online marketplaces such as Facebook Marketplace, eBay and Wish are not obliged to obey by the same laws as traditional retailers. So large numbers of dangerous electrical products are being sold to unknowing customers. As these possibly contain sub-standard or noncompliant parts, they can pose a serious risk of fire or electric shock. We want to ensure everyone stays safe within the home and urge you to only purchase from reputable retailers. If you are unsure about any areas of electrical safety inside or outside, we have various resources available on our Safety Around the Home hub and more information is available at www. electricalsafetyfirst.org. uk.”
INfORMaTION REGaRdING UpCOMING INdUsTRIal aCTION
Waiting times at A&E will be longer over the Junior Doctors’ strike days (from 7am Wednesday 14th June and finishing 7am Saturday 17th June).
Sheffield Hospitals are reminding people not to use A&E unless it is an emergency. This week this is even more important than usual due to the Junior Doctors’ strike. It will mean longer waits due to having fewer doctors available. The Trust said they will prioritise the most urgent patients so you will be seen much quicker using alternatives for minor injuries and illnesses.
Opening times for alternatives, advice on when it is appropriate to attend A&E and directions can be found at sheffieldurgentcare.co.uk Regrettably they are also having to postpone some outpatient appointments and procedures and patients will be contacted directly if their appointment is affected. The hospitals state tehy will work as quickly as possible to re-arrange any postponed care. Please also make sure you have any medications you may need ahead of next Wednesday to prevent you needing emergency care.
Home Farm Park is the perfect place for those looking for a quiet getaway or holiday home ownership in a secluded location in the heart of the Lincolnshire countryside.
Offering the best of coast and country, this tranquil holiday park near Skegness opened for business in 2020 and offers lodge and cottage holidays as well as the opportunity to own your own holiday home in a stunning setting.
Say hello to spacious plots, manicured grounds and quiet getaways at Home Farm Park.
It is located just a mile from the picturesque market town of Burgh-le-Marsh and only five miles from the bustling seaside resort of Skegness. So, you’re close enough to enjoy all that this resort has to offer while being far enough away to avoid all the hustle and bustle, should you prefer the quiet life. And, of course, you’re only a stone’s throw from hundreds of square miles of beautiful Lincolnshire countryside, should you fancy exploring.
Home Farm Park is also a great option for those looking for a fishing holidays near Skegness, with a well-stocked lake that represents a challenge for fishermen of all abilities.