Residents are once again urged to take extra care following the Fire Brigades Union announcement of two further walkouts on 12 and 21 June.
These strikes will take place on
• Thursday 12 June from 9am to 9am on Friday 13 June
• Saturday 21 June from 10am to 5pm
During these periods there will be fewer firefighters on duty across the country including Hertfordshire.
Richard Thake, Cabinet Member for Community Safety, said: “We are extremely disappointed that the Fire Brigades Union has announced more strikes. It’s hard to see how this is going to help resolve their dispute with the government.
“This repeated strike action in a key public service is ill-conceived and the safety of the people of Hertfordshire should not be used as a bargaining tool.”
Roy Wilsher, Director of Community Protection and Chief Fire Officer, said: “Our contingency arrangements have stood up well during previous strike action, however with fewer resources our ability to respond to incidents is reduced, therefore I urge the public to play their part again and take extra care during the strike action.
“We will be responding as quickly as possible to serious incidents. In the event of a fire you should still get out, stay out, and call 999 – you will get an emergency response.
“We continue to hope that the government and FBU can resolve their dispute and that further walkouts can be avoided.”
Here is some safety advice to help you and your family stay safe during the strike:
In your home
• Check your smoke alarm is working. Do the same for any elderly or vulnerable neighbours or family
• Plan your escape route and make sure everyone knows how to get out
• Avoid having bonfires
• Avoid lighting candles
• Don’t leave cigarettes burning
• Unplug any electrical items you’re not using
• Switch off portable heaters when you leave the room
• Don’t leave hot pans unattended, especially chip pans
Out and about
• When driving, watch your speed and keep your distance especially in bad weather
• If you’re riding a bike or motorcycle, check you’ve got all the right safety gear and that you’re clearly visible to other road users
• Pedestrians should cross the road at the safest place possible, such as zebra, pelican, puffin and patrolled crossings
• Look out for hazards and other road users
• Check your vehicle and make sure your brakes, tyres, lights, wipers and washers are all working and in good condition.
At work and school
• Turn off all lights and equipment that do not need to be left on
• Check fire extinguishers are correctly sited and are serviced
• Make sure everyone knows how to evacuate quickly and safely
There is more fire prevention and road safety advice available elsewhere on our website please see www.hertsdirect.org/fire
If you want to speak to someone about fire prevention please call 0300 123 4046.
IN THE EVENT OF AN EMERGENCY ALWAYS CALL 999
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