Message sent by Ashley Lawton (Cheshire Fire , Administrator, Cheshire Fire)
Welcome to the December edition of the Cheshire Fire and Rescue Service e-Newsletter.
Christmas safety
Give Santa a helping hand this Christmas by following his Christmas safety tips. Many of the things we enjoy during this festive period, such as the fairy lights, candles, paper hats and decorations, can all be fire hazards when proper care is not taken.
Find out more - 12 days of Christmas - fire safety tips
Don't drink and drive
The annual Christmas Drink Drive crackdown in Cheshire has been launched with a warning to motorists for the festive period.
The key message to drivers is: If you are driving don't drink! If you plan to have a drink this Christmas, please leave your car at home.
Find out more information - Don't drink and drive
Blue Light Collaboration
A major collaboration programme aimed at protecting front line emergency services has been given the thumbs up by Cheshire’s fire and police chiefs.
The ambitious plans involve bringing together most of the back office and professional services which support Cheshire Fire and Rescue Service and Cheshire Constabulary and establishing a single, shared headquarters site by April 2018
Find out more - Blue Light Collaboration
Cheshire fire crews help out during the flooding in Cumbria
Cheshire firefighters, along with crews from specialist search and rescue teams and crews from other fire and rescue rervices, provided help in Cumbria during the extensive flooding across the region after the county took the brunt of Storm Desmond.
Staff from Warrington, Widnes and Congleton Fire Stations were among the crew that went to Cumbria, along with personnel from International Search and Rescue team (ISAR). Two fire engines, a rescue boat and a High Volume Pump were also sent.
The mission was to help in the efforts to rescue people from the devastating impact of the flood waters, and also to provide support to Cumbria Fire and Rescue Service.
Find out more - Cheshire fire crews help out during the flooding in Cumbria
Landlords reminded of new laws
We would like to remind landlords that they are breaking the law if they fail to provide their tenants with smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors.
Regulations which came into force in October mean it is compulsory for smoke alarms to be fitted in rented homes. Carbon monoxide alarms must also be fitted in properties which burn solid fuels.
They must be fitted on every floor of the property and landlords should check the alarms are working at the start of every new tenancy, with potential penalties of up to £5,000 if they don’t comply.
Find out more - Landlords reminded of new laws
It's getting cold! Is your car ready for winter?
Winter is the season requiring most care and preparation if you are to stay safe on the roads. The British winter is unpredictable. Bad weather can strike suddenly, so please make sure you are prepared for the conditions. Please prepare yourself and your car for winter driving.
