Cornwall Fire & Rescue Service Newsdesk

N/A at 18/10/2002 17:00

Following today’s announcement of forthcoming industrial action by the Fire Brigades Union (FBU) fire chiefs at County Hall have said that everyone in Cornwall can help make sure that local lives are not put at risk.

A national press conference by the FBU today stated they intended to call six strikes, the first a two day strike starting at 9.00 am on 29th October.

Cornwall’s Chief Fire Officer Mick Howell says, “We have been putting in place contingency plans for some weeks. These are based on building on long-established civil emergency planning, and we want to make it absolutely clear that the 24 hour 999 telephone service remains in place whatever happens throughout the coming difficulties.”

“We will be making sure that the resources that are available are used to maintain fire cover and enable us to respond to road accidents and other emergencies. However, we cannot deny that this is an unusual situation so it is vital that the people of Cornwall help us by being extra vigilant about fire and road safety.”

Last year Cornwall had an average of 23 road accidents a month requiring Fire Brigade attendance. The County Council’s Road Safety Unit points out that excessive speed in urban areas is by far the greatest factor, so it is more important than ever that motorists observe speed limits and drive appropriately for the road and weather conditions.
Road Safety Officer Paula Wellings says, “At a time when the Fire Brigade may have less resources to deploy, let’s all try extra hard to reduce the number of collisions. This means killing your speed, and properly evaluating stopping distances, especially in wet weather. Even pedestrians can help by making sure they are clearly seen.”

Fire officers say there are particular fire safety issues which characterise this time of year, so apart from the usual advice to check smoke alarms (or to fit them now if your house doesn’t have any) and to discuss your family’s fire escape plan, they want to highlight that:

o People should be cautious with open fires, gas, bar electric or paraffin heaters – the first cold snap means that they are often lit for the first time in months. Never leave them unattended, and check now that they are serviceable and that chimneys have been swept.

o As we near Halloween, Bonfire Night and seasonal parties and events, make sure children are not left unsupervised with matches, fireworks or candles.

o Be neighbourly - check that elderly or vulnerable people are not at risk. Offer help with fitting smoke alarms, or checking the state of heaters, cookers and electrical items. Chip pans, old electric blankets, and oil lamps or candles kept as emergency lighting, are all fire risks.

County Council Executive Member for Public Protection Jill Ferrett adds, “This dispute is not a local issue, it is about national pay bargaining. But the amount of pressure applied to the emergency services during this time IS a local issue, and each and every one of us must look at our driving habits and think extra hard about fire safety.”
Fire Chief Mick Howell adds, “Cornwall always responds magnificently in times of difficulty, and I know we can rely on local people to help by being especially careful and creating a safer place for themselves at home and at work. This is important at all times but will be particularly important during this period”.

Related item: http://www.cornwall.gov.uk/fire/fsafety/default.htm