Cornwall Fire & Rescue Service Newsdesk

N/A at 22/10/2002 11:55

Cornwall County Fire Brigade would like to assist the public in stopping fire before it starts, by issuing important fire safety information.

Due to proposed strike action by the Fire Brigade Union the normal fire brigade response may be reduced or delayed during the following times.
29th October – 31st October, 2nd November – 4th November, 6th November – 14th November, 22nd November – 30th November, 4th December – 12th December, 16th December – 24th December. However this should not affect what you should do in a fire. Get out and call 999, do not try and tackle the fire yourself.

The Brigade has contingency plans in place if strike action does go ahead to ensure that a response will be made to all fires and emergency incidents.
A special fire safety leaflet has been produced to ensure that full fire safety information is available to the general public. By adhering to the following fire safety messages included in the leaflet households should ensure a higher degree of protection against the devastating affects of fire.

COOKING
q Take special care when cooking
q Never leave cooking unattended
q Do not fill a chip pan more than one-third full
q Never put food in a chip pan if the oil begins to smoke – turn off the heat and leave to cool
CANDLES & CIGARETTES
q Don’t use candles near flammable items
q Put out cigarettes and candles properly
q Always use a proper ashtray
q Never smoke in bed
SWITCH OFF!
q Before bed, switch off as many electrical appliances as you can
MATCHES
q Keep matches and lighters away from children
SMOKE ALARMS
q Fit smoke alarms on every floor of your home and test the regularly
q Basic smoke alarms can be brought for about five pounds
q Batteries should be replaced once a year
MAKE YOUR PLAN GET OUT ALIVE
q Plan your escape route with everyone – always include children and older people
q Close all doors at night

“If any member of the public or a commercial business should have a fire during strike action they should not hesitate in phoning 999. They should get out of the property, stay out and not tackle the fire themselves”
said Senior Fire Safety Officer Jan Sturges

He cont: “If anyone has enquiries about fire safety please call freephone 0800 3581 999. This number is, and will be during the strike action, staffed twenty-four hours a day”.

The leaflet will be available from local fire stations, libraries, and various other locations visited by the general public.