Fire Brigades Union members have voted in favour of a national strike, in a dispute with the Government over pension reforms.
The next 24 hour period of industrial action starts at 7am tomorrow (25th February)
Whilst the issue is a matter between the Fire Brigades Union and Government, every Fire & Rescue Service has a legal duty to maintain a level of service to local communities as best it can.
Chief Fire Officer Lee Howell said: “Fire and Rescue Services have contingency plans and ours will again be put into place to cover this industrial action. Our plans have worked well during the previous periods of strike action, but we are asking the public to help us again by taking extra care. We will continue to respond to 999 calls in the normal manner and do everything we can to keep the public safe.
“Take time to also 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.”
Devon & Somerset Fire & Rescue Service’s advice is to take extra care with these six steps:
• If you haven’t already got one, install a smoke alarm and test it every week
• Take extra care in the kitchen – this is where most fires start
• Check your electrical appliances – turn them off and don’t overload sockets
• If you smoke, put cigarettes out properly
• Sleep safe – check everything in your home every bedtime
• Plan a safe escape – make sure you know how to get out of your home in an emergency.
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.
More advice for homeowners and businesses and frequently asked questions about industrial action are available here:
http://www.dsfire.gov.uk/YourSafety/IndustrialAction/Index.cfm?siteCategoryId=4&T1ID=137
