Wednesday 25th September 2013

With strike action due to begin today, (Wednesday 25th September) - as reported HERE - Derbyshire Fire & Rescue Service (DFRS) is urging members of the public to take extra care during periods of industrial action.

Whilst DFRS will still be providing an emergency response service during this period, albeit at a reduced level, DFRS is calling upon motorists and businesses to help to prevent emergencies from occurring.

Following notification that the Fire Brigades Union (FBU) is taking national industrial action this afternoon, from 12 noon until 4pm, road users are asked to consider the following advice and information prior to any journey.

To take more care on the roads:

• Reduce your speed - Speed is a major factor in fatal road accidents
• Beware of the conditions - Drive carefully during bad weather
• Don't use your mobile phone - You are four times more likely to crash causing injury or death if you do
• Don't drink and drive
• Always wear a seatbelt - You are twice as likely to die if you don't
• Watch out for cyclists and pedestrians - Keep a look out for other
  road users at all times
• Don't drive when tired - 20% of accidents on major roads are due
  to tiredness
• Check your vehicle before every journey - particularly your tyres
  

Area Manager Bryan Bennett said: "While the industrial action is on-going, Derbyshire Fire & Rescue Service will still be responding to 999 calls, but we are asking members of the public to take extra care when driving on the roads during this time."

The Fire Service is also urging businesses to take care and be safe during the four-hour strike - and is offering the following advice:

• 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

Further advice and information can be accessed via www.derbys-fire.gov.uk where residents will not only find a wealth of business fire safety advice, but also advice on keeping safe at home and on our roads.

DFRS request the assistance of roadusers and business leaders to encourage their workforce to access this important information to help safeguard their colleagues, friends and families

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