London firefighters set to strike

The Fire Brigades Union has voted for industrial action and strikes have been confirmed for:

• Saturday 23 October – 10am to 6pm
• Monday 1 November – 10am to 6pm

The London Fire Brigade has contingency arrangements in place and a fire and rescue service will continue to operate, but it's important to take extra precautions during the strike.

Take extra care

During the strike, you can help keep your home safe by following this simple fire safety advice:

• If you have a fire leave the building immediately and call 999.
• Take extra care – especially when you are cooking or smoking.
• Know what to do if you have a fire – and remember get out, stay out, call 999.

Important fire safety messages

There are some practical tips that you should follow and pass on to your family and friends to help them keep safe in their homes:

• Make sure that you have a smoke alarm, check that it works and change the battery.
• Make sure you know how you would get out of your home if there is a fire – and that everyone in your home knows.
• Stub cigarettes out properly and dispose of them carefully.
• Put candles out; use a snuffer or a spoon – it’s safer than blowing them out when sparks can fly.
• Double check that your cooker is turned off.
• Turn heaters off when not in use.
• If you have an open fire use a fireguard.
• Turn off and unplug electrical appliances, unless they are designed to be left on – like your fridge.
• Close inside doors at night to stop a fire from spreading from one room to another.
• Make sure exits are kept clear.
• Keep door and window keys where everyone can find them.
• Passing this advice on to your family and friends will help keep them safer during any period of reduced fire cover – and it's good advice at all times.

Download the London Fire Brigade fire safety flier (pdf, 536KB).

Download the London Fire Brigade home fire safety guide (pdf, 802KB).

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