FIREFIGHTERS will walk out on strike twice today in an ongoing dispute over pay and pensions.
Fire crews will be unavailable from 12pm - 2pm and again from 10.59pm - 11.59pm today (Saturday).
While Surrey County Council has contingency plans for such strikes, councillors have issued safety advice to residents warning their chances of calling 999 in the event of a fire are "reduced" during the industrial action.
A tweet from Surrey Fire and Rescue Service this morning said: "FBU firefighters are on strike today 12pm to 2pm and tonight at 10:59pm until 11:59pm # takeextracare"
The row centres on pension payments and retirement age for firefighters and has caused multiple walkouts by fire crews in recent months.
Surrey County Council's safety advice
If you have a fire leave the building immediately and call 999.
Know what to do if you have a fire – and remember get out, stay out and call 999.
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 what your fire plan is.
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.
