Following the recent floods and storm damage in the Carlisle area, the county council’s Fire and Rescue Service offer the following advice to home owners and the business community prior to re-occupation of their premises:-
HOME OWNERS
- if the premises have been flooded, the electrical/gas installation should be checked by a competent person prior to reconnection;
- any domestic appliances or equipment ie. cookers, televisions, VCR’s, washing machines etc which have been affected by water should not be used;
- heating systems ie. gas boilers, oil boilers, storage heaters etc which have been affected by water should not be used unless checked by a competent person;
- to avoid the threat of arson, you should be vigilant where damaged household contents are left outside the property, including damaged vehicles which should be moved away where possible to a safe distance;
- if your premises are unoccupied, make sure that they are secure;
- if you are re-occupying the premises, ensure that your smoke alarms are working to ensure your safety;
- if you are using portable heaters take appropriate precautions in the use and siting of these appliances and to ensure the safety of your family. Portable heaters using gas, oil or paraffin etc should have adequate ventilation;
- if your premises has structural damage which may be a result of flooding or storm damage, you should contact the local authority prior to occupation.
BUSINESS AND COMMERCIAL PREMISES
- if the premises have been flooded or water damage, the electrical/gas installation should be checked by a competent person prior to reconnection;
- any electrical plant, machinery equipment which has been affected should not be used unless checked and verified safe by a competent person;
- if the heating system for the premises is affected it should be checked by a competent person before being brought back into use;
- if you have portable heaters, space heaters etc to dry out your premises, ensure that they are positioned in well ventilated areas away from combustible materials;
- if the premises is provided with a fire safety system such as fire alarms or emergency lighting systems, we recommend that they are checked and tested by a competent engineer prior to the occupation of the premises
- if you have hazardous materials or substances on your premises which have been affected by water, you should seek specialist advice prior to disposal;
- to avoid the threat of arson, you should ensure that your premises are secure if unoccupied. We would also advise that where damaged goods, equipment etc are removed, that they are stored away from any building in a secure place or in a secured skip;
- prior to re-occupation of your premises we would advise you that a risk assessment is reviewed or undertaken on to ensure the safety of all employees in your workplace. You should also check your fire exits and escape routes to ensure that they can be used prior to occupation;
- if your premises has structural damage which may be a danger as a result of flooding or storm damage, you should contact your Local Authority prior to occupation.
If you have any fire safety concerns, please do not hesitate to contact your local Fire Safety Department on 01228 521215 or 01228 521364.