Halon Bank Fire has written to all customers with monitored fire alarms on actions to take in the event of a fire following the news that the national firefighter’s strike will go ahead after the union rejected the 11% pay offer.

       Copy of letter to all fire customers

According to advice given by the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister, a full response from the emergency services may not follow when we alert the fire authority of alarm activation at your premises, unless further confirmation is given. It is therefore important that you observe the following recommendations given by the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister in the event of fire.

Review arrangements for calling the emergency services in the event of fire:

In the event of fire a telephone call using the 999 system must be made at the earliest opportunity. A full response may not follow a call received via automatic fire alarms without further confirmation.

To reduce unnecessary burdens on the emergency services at this time special care must be taken to minimise the possibility of unwanted automatic fire signals.

Check that effective arrangements are in place for a responsible person to meet fire crews on arrival and provide them with appropriate information - for example, the location of the nearest fire hydrant or other water supply.”