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Home » News & Events » 2014 » April » Fire Safety Advice during industrial action

Fire Safety Advice during industrial action

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The strike action will take place: 12.00pm - 5.00pm Friday 2nd May 2.00pm Saturday 3rd – 2.00am Sunday 4th May 10.00am – 3.00pm Sunday 4th May.

These periods of strike action will see HWFRS operating a reduced service.

Adrian Elliott, Group Commander of HWFRS said “We are encouraging motorists and residents to take extra care during the strikes when there will be reduced fire cover. Not all of our firefighters are members of the Fire Brigades Union which means some stations will be working normally but people should be aware that it may take us a little longer to respond to calls in some instances”.

“During the firefighter strikes, we want people to be clear about what to do in the event of a fire. The most important point they need to know is that they will still get an emergency response and they should not be tempted to tackle fires themselves.”

He continued: “General fire safety messages that we promote throughout the year become even more crucial at times of strike action. An early alert to a fire in your home is just as important for avoiding injury and damage to property, and we would also like to remind people to install a smoke alarm on every floor of their home and to test each alarm is working on a weekly basis.”

He also encouraged people to plan an escape route and to make sure everyone in the house is aware of it.

Other fire safety messages to consider are:

  • Make sure you have smoke alarms on at least every level of your home.
  • Stub cigarettes out properly and dispose of them carefully. Put them out. Right out.
  • Take extra care in the kitchen and never leave cooking unattended.
  • Do not overload electrical sockets and watch out for faulty and over-heating electrical equipment and wiring or cables.