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Blackpool Coastal Housing has got things covered when it comes to fire precautions thanks to its team working initiatives.
Thankfully fires are few and far between in the housing estates around Blackpool but they are still taken very seriously by the provider who goes to great lengths to ensure residents are safe and protected. The partnership approach includes Lancashire Fire and Rescue, community groups, security officers and even CCTV control to ensure all possible events are covered.
Various improvements to fire safety measures above and beyond the legal requirement have been completed in recent months for the peace of mind of the residents. The Housing Operations Manager at Blackpool Coastal Housing Denise Williams and her team take fire safety very seriously and their prime concern is the safety and wellbeing of their residents.
Cyril Holland, Director of Property Services said: “Blackpool Coastal Housing has worked closely with Lancashire Fire and Rescue Service in ensuring that we comply with the Fire Reform Order. Improvement works to the high rise blocks have taken place over a number of years, upgrading the fire precautions to these flats”.
One resident who is glad of the procedures and partnerships established is one man living on Walter Robinson Court who, in the early hours of Wednesday 16 December, received a nasty early Christmas present when his TV suddenly exploded and caught fire.
The fire was spotted by the internal concierge system at the CCTV suite run by Blackpool Council from Blackpool Police headquarters. They were able to alert the fire service. Although the concierge service is not a replacement to 999 calls from residents it is often a quicker option giving residents more time to get themselves out of a property safely.
Blackpool Council Security officers (partners of Blackpool Coastal Housing) are permanently on the estate, and soon took charge of the situation till the Fire and Rescue Services arrived – just minutes later. The fire crews quickly brought the situation under control and the fire was extinguished. Thick smoke had quickly filled the immediate floors above and below the property, and some residents were evacuated to the Estate Community Centre.
As with all incidents and occurrences on the estate, the Queens Park Residents Association sprang into action serving up teas and coffees to the residents evacuated, even in the early hours of the morning.
Chair of Queens Park Residents Association Gwen King says “It’s all about the community pulling together in times of need and multi agency working with our partner agencies. As usual Blackpool Fire and Rescue services were extremely efficient. At all times, particularly during festive activities we all need to be vigilant when using extension leads, candles etc. If any Blackpool Coastal Housing resident needs fire safety advice they only have to contact our local Lancashire Fire & Rescue Safety Officer Glen Simpson through any of the BCH local housing offices or the community office here on Queens Park”.
Fire safety should never be taken for granted; residents have a responsibility to ensure that all appliances they use are safe and fit for use. Advice is freely available from the Fire Safety Team.
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