Fire service remind us to 'celebrate safely' ahead of the Coronation Bank Holiday

We're urged to be extra careful over the bank holiday weekend - as thousands of us across Berkshire and North Hampshire celebrate the King's Coronation.

Royal Berkshire Fire and Rescue Service have issued fresh guidelines before the big day - especially as thousands of people head to Windsor on Sunday for the big concert in Windsor.

Thousands of people expected to be travelling through the county over the next few days - with many stopping in Windsor for the ticket-only concert to join in with the celebrations.

Up to 20,000 visitors are expected to head there alone on Sunday.

Local community events will also be taking place and are expected to have a higher turnout given the high-profile location of Windsor.

Paul Bremble, Area Manager for RBFRS, said: “The Coronation is expected to attract thousands of residents and visitors to key locations in Windsor - but we are encouraging everyone to enjoy the bank holiday weekend, however you're celebrating it.

"We’re proud to be supporting this historic occasion and we are working closely with our partners to ensure appropriate arrangements are in place to support a safe and enjoyable event.

“l would encourage anybody who is planning to celebrate the Coronation to read through our safety advice in advance, and also monitor safety and travel advice on social media throughout the weekend.

"We do have our crews standing by, who will be ready for any eventuality, but outside of Windsor, our crews will be working 'as usual'. Our crews won't be stretched, and we just want everyone to have a nice weekend."

There are several steps we can all take to ensure we enjoy the Coronation safely.

On the day, if you’re planning to travel by car:

• Reduce your speed, and give yourself time to react
• Always wear your seatbelt - and be sure that your passengers are wearing theirs
• Never use your phone while driving
• Be prepared for the journey - including with refreshments
• Always check before you travel

If you are going to be staying in a rented or hired accommodation:

• Make sure there are working smoke alarms
• Keep all exits clear - even in communal living areas
• Keep fire doors closed
• Make sure you know where the fire exits are - as well where the secondary escape routes are

If you are going to be having a number of guests staying with you:

• Make sure there are working smoke alarms
• Talk through your escape plan with guests
• Make sure cars are parked in a suitable location - out of the road and out of the way of traffic, especially making sure not to block emergency vehicles

If you’re going to be celebrating with friends and family:

• If you're having a BBQ, make sure it is well away from sheds, fences, trees and shrubs and only use approved lighter fluid on cold coals
• Don't take a BBQ indoors - even when the flames aren't visible - as it can still give off carbon monoxide fumes, which can be deadly
• Never enter the water if you see someone who has fallen into the water - call 999.
• Don't be tempted to swim in open water

If you’re a business that will be making the most of the celebrations:

• Review your fire risk assessment - especially important for B&Bs
• Don't overcrowd
• Make sure fire exits are kept clear
• Make sure all fire safety provisions are well maintained and serviced
• Inform staff of emergency evacuation procedures

Further information is available at the Royal Borough of Windsor & Maidenhead’s Celebrating the Coronation website pages, with further information being added in the run up to the events.

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• royal berkshire fire rescue service