Fire safety during industrial action

All England’s fire and rescue authorities have robust contingency plans in place and will continue to offer the public an emergency service.

In the event of a fire the advice is: Get Out, Stay Out and Call 999 – you will get an emergency response.

During strike periods, Leicestershire Fire and Rescue Service will continue to provide a fire and rescue response cover – though on a reduced scale.

Top tips for householders

• Make sure you have smoke alarms on every level of your home
• Smoke alarms save lives, but only if they’re working. Test them regularly
• Stub cigarettes out properly and dispose of them carefully. Put them out. Right out
• Plan your escape route and make sure everyone knows how to get out in a fire
• 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

Top tips for businesses

• Review your risk assessment and emergency plan – make sure it’s up to date
• Make sure your fire detection system is working effectively and everyone in the building(s) understands what they need to do should it activate
• Practise your emergency evacuation plan to ensure your staff and visitors can escape quickly and easily – don’t forget that people with disabilities may need extra help
• Ensure fire wardens are trained and their training is up to date
• If you have a fire, evacuate the building and call 999 – you will get a response
• Reduce fire hazards – keep sources of ignition well away from flammable materials or substances
• Ask staff to be vigilant to the risk of fire and report any concerns
• Keep escape routes free from obstacles and check signage and emergency lighting
• Keep fire doors shut – they should always be shut anyway
• Switch off electrical equipment when not in use
• Make sure any fire fighting equipment you have works and that everyone expected to use it knows how to do so safely
• Reduce the risk of arson – minimise the build up of rubbish and store it in a safe place. Keep your building secure
• Take special care to minimise the possibility of a false alarm