Social Care News

Official's 'be prepared' warning for care homes ahead of fire strike

The Director of Social Services and Integration, Albert Heaney, has warned that the timing of this Saturday's strike by firefighters may mean there is more potential for fire or rescue incidents to occur than during the last strike period.

The Fire Brigades Union has called a strike on SATURDAY 19th OCTOBER 2013 AT 1800 HRS UNTIL 2330 HRS

Mr Heaney said: "Therefore there is a need to remain vigilant and take sensible precautions to reduce the risk of such incidents during this time, taking account of the specific guidance on fire safety from the Fire and Rescue Service."

He added: "The Welsh Government will monitor the situation during the strike through its Emergency Co-ordination Centre (Wales), which will be staffed from 1730 hours until midnight.

"I would ask that you forward this notification to all relevant parties / stakeholders you feel ought to be aware of this strike to ensure they are prepared. We are separately notifying care homes, but commissioners may also wish to ensure that the homes where they have placements are aware of this and have taken appropriate action."

Guidance on fire prevention in residential care premises

An example of the guidance in relation to residential care premises can be found on the link below – Guide 4:

http://www.southwales-fire.gov.uk/English/business_fire_safety/guides/Pages/default.aspx


Please note: If there are fire and rescue incidents that occur during this strike period that other parts of the social services sector may benefit from knowledge of, please let us know by e-mailing gareth.griffiths@wales.gsi.gov.uk , copied to david.goulding@wales.gsi.gov.uk . We will then circulate that information more widely.