Council is warning people

Council warning issued to people after fires forced temporary closure of two HWRCs

by with No Comment News

Lincolnshire County Council is warning people that batteries and electricals cannot be discarded in general waste bins after two household waste recycling centres (HWRCs) were forced to close due to separate battery fires. 

The council stressed that batteries need to be recycled with other electricals in separate containers at HWRCs.

On 5 February a fire at the Spalding HWRC was started after a car battery was discarded into general waste. The fire was attended to by crews from Spalding and Boston fire stations and the site remained closed for several hours.

Then later in the week on 10 February a fire at Gainsborough HWRC was attended by fire crews from Gainsborough after a fire broke out in their general waste bin.

The cause of the fire was identified as a wrongly discarded AA battery and the HWRC reopened the following day.

Council Warning

Cllr Daniel McNally, executive member for waste and recycling at Lincolnshire County Council, explained: “Whether it goes into your bins at home, or to a Household Waste Recycling Centre, waste is compacted several times on its journey to its final destination, and it’s at these points where electrical items that have been disposed of incorrectly can spark and start a fire.

“These incidents at Spalding and Gainsborough are the latest in a line of fires caused by electrical items in the wrong place. We’ve seen fires in bin lorries and even at our contractors’ processing plants; it must stop.

“Putting electrical items and batteries in bins puts waste workers at risk. You’ll find recycling points for batteries and electrical items of all types and sizes at each of our household waste recycling centres. You can also recycle batteries at most supermarkets”.

Disposing properly of all electrical items is very important. We stress how key it is to follow the in-place procedures regarding this. The wrong disposal methods can be very dangerous as shown by events like this.

fire alarm beeping

Why Is My Fire Alarm Beeping?

by Information

We’ve all experienced it at some point, the annoying, persistent beeping of a fire alarm. It’s a sound that can instantly raise your heart rate and send you on a mission to stop it. But before you disable the alarm or simply cover your ears, it’s essential to understand why your fire alarm is beeping. In this blog post, we’ll delve into the common reasons behind those beeps and what you can do about them.

1. Low Battery Alert

One of the most common reasons for a beeping fire alarm is a low battery. Fire alarms, whether hardwired or battery-powered, have a built-in feature to alert you when their batteries are running low. This warning is crucial because a non-functional alarm can’t protect you in the event of a fire. When you hear a regular, intermittent beep, it’s time to replace the battery.

Solution: Replace the battery promptly with a fresh one. It’s a simple and effective way to ensure your alarm continues to keep you safe.

2. End-of-Life Warning

Fire alarms don’t last forever. After a certain period, typically around 10 years, they begin to lose their effectiveness. To inform you that it’s time for a replacement, the alarm will emit a consistent, chirping sound.

Solution: Replace your fire alarm if it’s reached its end-of-life or expiration date. Check the manufacturer’s recommendations for the lifespan of your specific alarm.

3. Dust and Debris

Dust, dirt, and debris can accumulate inside your fire alarm over time. This buildup can interfere with its sensors and trigger false alarms or beeping.

Solution: Regularly clean your fire alarm by gently vacuuming or blowing out dust. Be sure to follow the manufacturer’s guidelines for cleaning to avoid damaging the device.

4. Environmental Factors

Extreme temperatures, humidity, or even cooking smoke can sometimes set off your fire alarm. While it may be alarming, these situations are not necessarily indicative of a fire emergency.

Solution: Try to ventilate the area, open windows, or use fans to disperse smoke or fumes. Consider relocating your alarm to a less sensitive location if false alarms persist.

5. Malfunction or Wiring Issues

Sometimes, fire alarms can malfunction or have wiring problems, leading to false beeping or alarm failure.

Solution: If you’ve ruled out other causes and the beeping continues, it may be time to consult a professional technician to inspect and repair the alarm or wiring.

Fire Alarm Beeping 3 Times?

When your fire alarm beeps, the number of beeps and their pattern often convey specific information about the alarm’s condition or the type of threat it has detected. If your fire alarm is beeping three times, it typically indicates a different situation compared to a single beep.

Three beeps might indicate a different issue. In some fire alarm models, three beeps can signal a malfunction or a sensor fault. This type of alarm pattern suggests that the alarm itself may be experiencing a problem, which could affect its ability to detect smoke or fire accurately. When you hear three beeps, it’s essential to investigate further to determine the cause.

If you hear three beeps, it’s advisable to consult the alarm’s user manual or contact a professional technician to diagnose and resolve any underlying problems. Ignoring any type of alarm signal can put your safety at risk, so always take them seriously and take appropriate action.

Conclusion

A beeping fire alarm is a signal that it’s time to take action. Whether it’s a low battery, end-of-life warning, or other issues, it’s essential not to ignore the sound. Understanding why your fire alarm is beeping empowers you to respond appropriately, ensuring your safety and peace of mind. Regular maintenance and prompt attention to these warnings will help keep your home safe from fire hazards.

Fire Service warning on e-bike

Nottinghamshire Fire Service issue warning after e-bike battery explosion

by with No Comment News

Nottinghamshire Fire and Rescue Service have shared footage of an incident where an e-bike battery exploded.

Electric bikes, also known as e-bikes, are motor-assisted pedal cycles that look similar to conventional bicycles.

With a rechargeable battery and a motor to provide support when pedalling, electric bikes offer riders the ability to travel faster than a traditional bicycle without requiring the same level of physical exertion.

Under current law in England, Scotland and Wales, electric bikes that meet certain criteria may be used by people 14 years or older without needing a licence or insurance; however, different rules apply in Northern Ireland.

To meet the criteria, e-bikes must be classed as ‘electrically assisted pedal cycles’ (EAPCs). Any electric bike that does not meet the EAPC rules is classed as a motorcycle or moped and needs to be registered and taxed. You’ll need a driving licence to ride one and you must wear a crash helmet.

Nottinghamshire Fire Service have issued certain rules and guides on how to use e-bikes in terms of charging and general use. The Lithium-ion batteries used inside these e-bikes are a great beast and can cause serious damage if not used correctly.

Charging Your E-Bike

To reduce the risk of fires related to e-bikes at home, always exercise caution when charging batteries. Never attempt to modify or tamper with the battery. Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions. Avoid leaving the e-bike to charge for too long periods of time or unattended, such as overnight or whilst out of the house.

Reduce the Risk of Overheating

Batteries can become warm during use, so allow them to cool before attempting to recharge. To ensure that heat can dissipate properly, batteries should only be charged on hard, flat surfaces away from flammable items such as furniture, carpets or curtains. Take care to avoid exposing batteries to extremes of temperature or charging them if they’ve become damaged. Overcharging can also lead to the battery overheating, so please keep it away from flammable materials and always keep an eye on the e-bike whilst charging.

Follow Instructions Carefully

When charging, always adhere to the manufacturer’s instructions and never leave a battery charging unattended or charge it while you are sleeping. When it’s fully charged, unplug your charger right away. Always use the correct charger for your batteries – buy replacements from reputable sellers only.

Where To Charge Your E-bike

Be mindful not to block your escape route with e-bikes when storing them; store them in an area away from paths or exits.

Prepare an escape plan with your family in case of a fire – if one does start, dial 999 immediately instead of trying to tackle it yourself.