Autumn not only brings cosy jumpers and the promise of a pumpkin spice latte but hedgehog activity spikes.

Hedgehogs are nocturnal animals so there is a chance you’ll see more in the autumn months.

Hedgehogs have been at serious decline in England over the past few years. They are a protected species and to find out how to help you can go to the British hedgehog preservation society.

Bonfires

Hedgehogs love nesting in log piles. So If you do plan on having a bonfire then make sure you check for any nesting within the wood on the day of lighting the bonfire. You can check when placing Firemizer or using Firebuilder!

Food and Drink

Did you know cat or dog food is a great supplementary food for hedgehogs? The only liquid given to hedgehogs should be water.

Hibernation

They usually hibernate in November to easter but it is dependent on weather. They usually wake up a few times throughout winter and build a new nest.

Strimming

Always check the area before streaming for hedgehogs and accidents from this are mostly fatal. As well do check for hoglets as there could be a nest nearby.

Woodpile

Using old and decaying wood to create a pile will bring about insects but all a safe place for hedgehogs to nest and hibernate.

Ponds

Hedgehogs love water if you have a pond allow an easy exit route such as a ramp to climb out or make sure the pond has a gentle slope.

Pesticides

Try not to use toxic chemicals or slug pellets in your garden as this will not only reduce the number of insects available to hedgehogs it might make them ill or kill them.

Sleeping

Hedgehogs that are warm t touch will be sleeping whilst hibernating they will be colder. As in hibernation, they reduce their body temperature to conserve energy.

Threats

The biggest threat to these creatures is habitat loss. Land that’s being used for construction and roads once would have been a perfect place for hedgehogs. It is important to make our gardens safe places for these creatures.

With the temperatures increasing across the Uk after we saw the hottest day so far reach 30 degrees, it’s safe to say how do we stay safe this summer?

Here are some general tips for the summer but you just need common sense!

1. Use suncream, even if you want that glorious golden tan, no one wants to risk looking like a lobster!
2. DON’T leave your pets in the unattended in your car! If you do I will come to rescue your dog! If you don’t believe how dangerous it can be for dogs check out this video. This should be all the warning you need!
3. Be wary of open bodies of water. Yes, they do look inviting especially on a hot day, however, they can be deadly as you could be easily swept away by the undercurrent.
4. Drink lots of liquids! And no not just beer, although that is tempting!
5. To stay cool, get a hot water bottle and fill it then put in your freezer, once frozen place in your bed to keep It cool before you get in!

Fire pit safety

Another way you can stay safe is by paying attention to your fire pit. Fire pit accidents are among the nearly 6,000 grill fires each year, sometimes these spread to become an outdoor fire.

1. Do not place fire pit directly onto wooden decking or grass. Choose a nonflammable level surface to the place the fire pit on.
2. If your fire pit is free standing make sure it has sturdy legs!
3. Keep the fire pit 10-20 feet away from fences, buildings and other flammable Debris
4. Don’t forget to use Firemizer in your fire pit!
5. Do not light the fire with lighter fluid, gasoline or Alcohol instead use a firelighter for instance Firebuilder.

Stay safe this summer and enjoy the hot weather!

Firemizer had a great year in 2018 and since we still can’t quite believe it’s 2019 let’s hold on to 2018 a bit longer and look back at some quite big and crazy events for the year.

‘In looking back, I see nothing to regret and little to correct.’

John C. Calhoun

• Meghan Markle married Prince Harry and became the U.K.’s first black princess 
• Serena Williams made an epic return at the French Open in a fierce black catsuit.
• Ireland ended its abortion ban, thanks to the thousands of people who flew home to vote on the referendum.
• Doctors Grew a New Ear in a Soldier’s Arm
• 13-Year-Old Wakes Up After Being Declared Brain Dead

It’s time to turn back time and see what 2018 bought Firemizer

The new website

Jumping straight into January the new website was launched! All shiny and new, perfect and easy for you to use and get all the info you need on all things Firemizer.

Dragons Den

Filming for the TV show went underway in May, a nerve-wracking experience. Maybe you saw us on tv? We’ve had lots of lovely enquires from you and Thanks to everyone that’s bought a Firemizer so far! 

Burn baby burn!

You may be surprised that Firemizer did well this summer, the scorching heat didn’t burn us out! Apparently didn’t stop you from buying Firemizer. Hopefully, you all enjoyed a good BBQ, fingers crossed this summer is perfect BBQ weather.

New hire

Towards the end of June, we hired a new intern. Ever wondered who writes these posts? It’s me! I help design marketing materials and run all the socials, so don’t be a stranger!

Countryfile live

Last year we trekked down to BBC’s Countryfile live! Stood in a black gazebo for 4 days in the burning heat, not the best of ideas. However, it was lovely to speak to people, walk the event, see all the dogs and eat some yummy food! Here’s the blog about our experience of the event! 

winter is coming!

As they say a hot summer therefore this means a cold winter! So, we launched our winter pack and hosted a lovely Christmas competition to celebrate.

Not bad roundup for 2018 and who knows what the rest of 2019 will bring! Don’t waste the year away as we’ll be saying Merry Christmas and a happy new year soon enough!

What are the different types of fire?

Fires can be separated into 5 different categories depending on the type of fuel.  Consequently, for your safety, it is advised to keep a fire extinguisher in your home. Better to be safe than sorry!

As a result, to make sure you have the correct extinguisher look at the 5 fire categories below and decide which rooms you may need an extinguisher.

Getting started with fire extinguishers

Keep at least one extinguisher on each level of your house. Fire extinguishers should be kept in areas where fires are more likely to start, for example in the kitchen and garage.

The five classes of fire extinguishers are – A, B, C, D and F – and each class can put out a different type of fire.

• Class A/ water-based or foam

extinguishers will put out fires from ordinary combustibles such as wood and paper 

• Class B/ foam

these are for use on flammable liquids like grease, gasoline and oil

• Class C/ dry powder

extinguishers are suitable for use only on electrically energized fires 

• Class D/ specific dry powder 

these are designed for use on flammable metals 

• Class F

extinguishers are designed for cooking oil fires

How to use your fire extinguisher

Most Fire extinguishers use the P.A.S.S. technique, therefore making them easy to use. 

• • • • • • • P. Pull the pin on the fire extinguisher in order to break the tamper seal.
            • A. Aim the fire extinguisher low, with the nozzle pointed at the base of the fire. 
            • S. Squeeze the handle of the fire extinguisher to release the extinguishing agent. 
            • S. Sweep the nozzle from side to side while pointed at the base of the fire until it is extinguished. 
            • If the fire re-ignites, repeat the last 3 steps.

How to treat a minor burn

There are three types of burns: first, second and third-degree. Each is based on the severity of damage to the skin. First-degree is the most minor and third-degree is the most severe.

Do not apply ice to burn or use cotton wool as small fibres can stick.

 Treatments for a first-degree burn include:

• • • • • • • soak the wound in cool water for five minutes or longer
            • take acetaminophen or ibuprofen for pain relief
            • apply lidocaine (anaesthetic) with Aloe Vera gel or cream to soothe the skin
            • use an antibiotic ointment and loose gauze to protect the affected area

While fire can be fun and relaxing it is also best to take caution when doing anything that involves fire.

In addition, Firemizer reduces creosote by 57% which is a highly flammable resin that sticks to your flue which will reduce the risk of flue fires.

Reference

http://www.eurofireprotection.com/blog/the-fire-classification-system-in-the-uk/

https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/burns-and-scalds/

Family

Christmas is getting ever nearer, and things might be feeling chaotic. However it’s never a bad time to pause and enjoy the people around you. Christmas is a time for celebrating time with family and friends after all. When you get a break from working, shopping or catching up on sleep, try some of these fun family activities!

Festive Baking

Baking is a great way to get everyone involved. It might create a bit of a mess, but it will also create some lovely sweet treats. Gingerbread men, Christmas pudding, trifles, fudge, and chocolate cake – the list goes on. The Food Network has got 101 great recipe ideas for you and the family to get stuck into here.

Christmas Films

Something more relaxing (and requires a lot less tidying up) would be to gather the family and watch a movie! Everyone could choose their favourite festive film, and pitch why theirs should be watched. Or, take turns and watch one every few days or each week leading up to the big day. Everybody has his or her own opinion when it comes to the best Christmas film ever. To make it easier, here’s Rotten Tomatoes list of the 25 best Christmas films ever.

Get Festive with Firemizer and Firebuilder

To add that extra bit of festivity, cosy up by the fire with a Firemizer. It helps your solid fuel last over a third longer without emitting any harmful air pollutants or creosote. If you need to get your fire started, there’s nothing better than a Firebuilder. Simply break one of the corrugated-cardboard bricks in half, light the corners and watch your fire go. No need for kindling or lighter fluid!

Decorating the House

If you read our post last week’s about DIY decorations, you might find time this week to put them up! Like baking, this is a simple activity that everyone can get involved with – get all hands on deck. Hang the tinsel, frost the windows, get the lights plugged in and fancy up the tree. Christmas is rapidly approaching, so before the big rush begins, get everyone helping and have the house party-ready!

December

It’s the last month of the year, but though we should be winding down, December is the busiest of all! If you’re organised, you might already have the Christmas decorations up and the presents already bought. If, like most people, you simply haven’t had time, fear not – we’re here to give you some simple DIY tips.

Decorations

Dust off the decoration box and get the tinsel and baubles at the ready; it’s time to get festive! We all have decorations acquired over the years, some we’ve become attached to, but you can always find new additions. Instead of spending valuable present money, why not try your hand at making your own? These can range from frosty window décor, to hand-painted baubles, to a lovely wreath for the front door. Or, what could be better than personalised stockings to hang above the fire? Check out these great DIY decorations here. And, if you’re struggling to get the fire beneath roaring, why not try a Firebuilder? One box can start you 10 perfect fires, without the need for kindling or any chemicals!

Presents

If you’re stuck for presents to buy for the person who has everything, why not make something yourself? It’s an easy way to guarantee no doubles on Christmas day, and it’s something they can cherish forever. Family picture key chains, hand-painted coffee mugs, wood-carved wine and beer carriers – the list is endless. Dodoburd have you covered with 65 amazing ideas here.

Once the big day arrives, you’ll want to get the fire going to keep the home nice and cosy all day. This means no running to grab extra wood from the store, so throw a Firemizer underneath your solid fuel to keep it burning 38% longer. Air pollutants are reduced by 72%, and creosote in the chimney is reduced by 52%. This means an easier journey for Santa down the chimney too!

National Tree Week

We’ve already had International Day of Forests, Earth Hour and Recycle Awareness Week – now it’s time for National Tree Week! Between 24^th November and 2^nd December, the Tree Council hold this week to for communities to improve their local treescape. With the help of various environmental organisations, local authorities, schools and community groups, National Tree Week gets everyone helping.

What’s so great about trees?

Trees provide so much to our everyday lives that mostly goes unnoticed, despite providing valuable habits, materials and especially oxygen. We get food from trees, fuel, building materials, clean polluted air, prevent flooding and conserve energy. Therefore, what’s not to love about trees?

The aim is for everybody to get their hands dirty planting a million trees, but there’s plenty more to do. Each community will offer something different, from historic tree walks, talks hosted by conservationists, or tree charter and dressing events. Pauline Buchanan Black, Director-General of The Tree Council, says “Whichever way people choose to mark the occasion, National Tree Week is a great time for individuals, communities and families across the UK to recognise and celebrate the value of trees.”

How do I find out what’s happening around me?

Futhermore, the Tree Council has a national newsletter, and local events are found at the Near You Map on their website. There are also lots of helpful posters, tips and ideas of ways you can get involved this year. Find out more at their website, here.

Get Recycling Awareness Week:

From Monday 12^th until Sunday 18^th November, it’s Recycle Awareness Week! Started by Planet Ark in 1996, Recycle Awareness Week takes place to put a focus on the environmental benefits of recycling. It promotes kerbside, industrial and community-recycling initiatives meaning everyone can get in on the action. By giving people the tools to help manage their materials responsibly, we can dramatically reduce the levels of waste.

Schools and Workplaces

First of all, teaching children the important benefits of recycling is the best way of continuing this tradition and protecting our environment. For example, recycling games and ‘junk to funk’ projects get young minds engaged and find purpose for waste products. Introducing new recycling initiatives at work or even just refining the current ones allow workplaces to reduce their waste levels. Furthermore, joining cartridge-recycling programs and buying recycled office products are the best places to start.

What are the statistics?

Statistics show that recycling in the UK is actually down for the first time since monitoring began. Recycling has been on a steep incline since 2000/2001 where it was at 11.2%. As of 2017, it sits at 43.7%, a massive improvement reflecting the shift in social attitudes towards recycling. We know that if we want to protect our planet, recycling waste and cutting down on harmful plastics is crucial.

Firemizer and Firebuilder are both recyclable products. Firemizer helps reduce your solid fuel usage as well as reducing air pollutants caused by burning by 72%. Made from corrugated cardboard, Firebuilder helps you start the perfect fire every time without the need for any nasty chemicals like kerosene.