Fire fighters highlight dangers of alcohol

Glass of beer

Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service are encouraging people to think about how much they drink in support of Alcohol Awareness Week (18 – 24 October 2010).

The service is highlighting how alcohol often contributes to serious injuries they encounter when people fail to recognise the dangers of excessive drinking.

Councillor Paul Shannon, Chairman of Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Authority said: “All too often the Service is called to emergency incidents where alcohol has played a significant part, particularly during the night time. Sadly many of these calls result in serious injury or even death.

“Each year we attend a number of distressing incidents where alcohol, when mixed with either cooking, smoking or driving has had tragic consequences, and we would ask people to take extra care by understanding and realising the potential dangers.”

People who drink are more likely to be involved in a fire in their home, combining drinking with smoking or cooking can often have fatal consequences, particularly when people become drowsy.

• Never cook when intoxicated
• Never leave cooking unattended
• Use proper ashtrays and extinguish cigarettes properly
• Take care with candles, make sure they can’t be knocked over
• Use a fireguard on open fires

As well as the obvious message about fire, there is a sobering message around driving while under the influence of alcohol, even a small amount is extremely dangerous and can often lead to devastating results such as;

• A reduction in concentration and reaction times
• Recklessness
• Drowsiness

Councillor Shannon continued: “Each year alcohol continues to have a serious impact on the safety of people in Greater Manchester, our Service will continue to explore innovative areas of partnership working and awareness campaigns in order to inform the communities of Greater Manchester and help them to stay safe.”