Kent Fire & Rescue Service - Advice to Residents

Dear residents and businesses

You may have seen the press coverage that the Fire Brigades Union have announced that they will take strike action for four hours on Wednesday 25 September from noon to 4pm.

Kent Fire & Rescue Service (KFRS) wants the public to know that it has robust contingency plans in place to provide an emergency service for Kent and Medway during this period of industrial action. KFRS has provided the following background note on the strike.

Background on the strike

This is a national dispute between the union and the Government over firefighter pension arrangements and KFRS is not involved in those negotiationsKFRS does not know precisely how many firefighters will choose to go out on strike, and how many will decide to work. This means that some local fire stations may remain open with crews and engines available. However additional arrangements are likely to include pooling available staff to crew as many fire engines as possible, which will be located around the county to provide the best cover possibleThe strike will be national so will affect all fire and rescue services in England and WalesKFRS will still be responding to 999 calls but will be asking the public to avoid making unnecessary calls and encouraging the public and businesses to take extra precautions during the strike period to keep themselves safe

KFRS wishes to get the following messages out about how local people can keep themselves safe during the strike period:

Seven things to do to keep yourself safe during the firefighters' strike on Wednesday 25 September (noon to 4pm)

• Check your smoke alarm
• Don't leave any cooking unattended, especially if you've been drinking alcohol or are on medication
• Go round your home and unplug any unused electrical items before you go to work or leave home on Wednesday, and don't overload electric sockets which can cause fires
• If you are planning a bonfire, don't do it on Wednesday
• Avoid using candles and certainly do not leave them burning if you're not in the room
• Drive carefully and wear a seatbelt - speed limits aren't targets
• If you are out hiking or walking the dog, stick to safe areas and avoid water and deep mud where you may get into difficulties

More information:

http://www.kent.fire-uk.org

http://www.kent.fire-uk.org/your_business/business_fire_safety_advice.aspx

http://www.kent.fire-uk.org/your_safety/top_tips.aspx