Take care during Fire Brigade strike

PEOPLE are being urged to take extra care tomorrow (Friday, January 3, 2014) morning as the Fire Brigades Union takes further strike action.

Firefighters will stop working from 6.30am to 8.30am in their ongoing dispute with the Government over pension reforms.

The issue continues to remain a matter between the Fire Brigades Union and Government. It is important that the public recognise this will have an impact on our normal arrangements during the periods of dispute.

However, Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service has substantial contingency plans in place to ensure that we will continue to respond to emergency incidents.

Chief Fire Officer for Devon and Somerset, Lee Howell, said: “Fire and Rescue Services have contingency plans and ours will again be put into place ahead of this date of industrial action.

“Our plans have worked well during the previous periods of action, but we are asking the public to help us again by taking extra care. We will continue to respond to 999 calls and do everything we can to keep the public safe.”

Phil Martin, head of community fire safety, said: “People can help us again by taking extra care and time to think about fire safety in your home during this period - checking smoke alarms, ensuring you know what you would do if there was a fire and not making unnecessary calls to the fire and rescue service.”

Businesses are also reminded to be mindful of their responsibilities - it remains the responsibility of employers, landlords and other premises occupiers to comply with fire safety law.

Take extra care by following the Fire Service’s ten safety tips especially as the festive decorations are still in place:

1. Check all your smoke alarms.

2. Always switch off your Christmas lights before you go to bed or go out.

3. Never place lit candles near your Christmas tree, decorations or furnishings and never leave a burning candle unattended.

4. Decorations can burn easily - don’t attach them to lights or heaters

5. Keep matches, lighters and candles out of children’s reach.

6. The risks of accidents, especially in the kitchen, are greater after alcohol is consumed.

7. Never leave cooking unattended and make sure you switch off the oven and hob if you’re leaving the house.

8. Do you know what to do in the event of an emergency? Practice your escape plan.

9. Many fires start when people fall asleep whilst smoking, ensure you extinguish cigarettes properly and never smoke in bed.

10. Check on elderly relatives and neighbours and make sure they are fire safe.

Find more safety advice at www.dsfire.gov.uk.

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