Fire service asks public to take extra care during second union strike
The Fire Brigades Union has announced a second strike date of Saturday 19 October, in a dispute with the Government over pension reforms.
Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue say that while the issue is a matter between the Fire Brigades Union and Government, they have a legal duty to maintain a level of service to local communities as best it can.
Chief Fire Officer for Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service, Lee Howell, said: “Fire and Rescue Services have contingency plans and ours will again be put into place ahead of this date for industrial action. Our plans worked well during the first period 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 for the Service, said: “You 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. You will find FAQs and lots of fire safety advice on our website, www.dsfire.gov.uk.”
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.
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
Find more safety advice at www.dsfire.gov.uk.
The FBU is one of three operational trade unions representing operational staff. The other two, which have not balloted for strike action, are the Retained Firefighters Union http://therfu.org/ and the Fire Officers Association http://www.fireofficers.org.uk/foa/.
The background to the dispute with government over pensions can be found on the DCLG website: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/firefighters-pension-scheme-reforms.
