New campaign launched giving residents a voice
8th October 2018
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Devon & Somerset Fire & rescue Service are launching their latest campaign aimed at residents who live in flats and buildings with communal escape routes reminding them that they have a voice. This campaign supports the recommendations of the Dame Judith Hackett report into the Grenfell Tower fire, by giving a voice to residents.

The campaign seeks to inform residents that if they have concerns about clutter/storage in their means of escape, they should in the first instance raise these concerns with their neighbours. If this does not bring any results then inform their landlord or the management agency, or refer the matter to their local housing authority.

If for any reason they cannot speak to a neighbour or landlord about Fire Safety concerns, they can contact Devon & Somerset Fire & Rescue Service on the number or email below. All correspondence will be treated with the strictest confidence.

Clear of clutter and storage

All communal areas must be kept clear of storage of any type and size. This includes waste (refuse), abandoned materials, bicycles, prams, and mobility scooters.

To ensure as many residents as possible receive the Fire Services campaign message firefighters across Devon & Somerset will be delivering posters (attached) to landlords/management agencies and local housing authorities.

Ensuring all passages and corridors (escape routes) are clear of clutter is an ongoing issue within communal properties. Devon & Somerset Fire & Rescue Service are committed to making sure the community and visitors to the area it serves are safe from fire in communal escape routes. 

If a fire were to start in a communal space which is full of clutter/storage the escape routes for the residents could prevent or hinder the safe evacuation of people leaving the building. Clutter/Storage also invites the risk for a deliberate fire being started.

Clutter/storage in escape routes could also affect the speed the fire service would be able to resolve the fire as well as blocking firefighters rescuing the occupants.

What can residents do?

Contact Devon & Somerset Fire & Rescue Service

Monday to Friday, 9:00 – 17:00. Call 01392 872288 to be put through to your local fire safety team. Email firesafety@dsfire.gov.uk

See our advice for Landlords and Letting Agents and High Rise Living

DSFRS offers advice and guidance to business and commerce and the general public on all fire safety matters. Make the call to request free Home Safety advice call free on: now 0800 05 02 999. For any other fire safety advice, contact the Devon & Somerset Fire & Rescue helpline on: 01392 872288 or visit our website www.dsfire.gov.uk

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Colin S

Member since: 27th February 2014

Hi, I am Colin Slade, I am the New Business Manager here at thebestof Exeter and I handle lots of the PR and News stories for our clients

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