Did you know that half of all accidental dwelling fires are caused by faulty or careless use of electrical appliances? Electrical Fire Safety week runs from 23rd – 29th January 2012 and we are providing ‘top tips’ in the run up to that week to help keep you safe. With Christmas now over you may be lucky enough to have received computer games, laptops, hair straighteners and other electrical items as gifts. Even though they are new it is important to check the instructions as using them incorrectly could cause them to fail and possibly start a fire.
TOP TIP – The Electrical Safety Council has produced a 'Home Electrical Safety Check’ App which takes you through a quick, visual check of your home to ensure it’s electrically safe. The App highlights potential dangers in each room and explains how to resolve simple, non-technical problems. Where more serious electrical issues are flagged, people are advised to use a registered electrician.
For an insight into the role and functions of the Combined Fire Authority and its members.

Information on types and frequency of incidents attended listed by primary and secondary fire. Categories explained.
All local authorities provide greater financial transparency by publishing spending information over £500.
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You can avoid fires in your home by having a working smoke alarm. Have a plan ready for an emergency! Do you and everyone you live with know your safety plan?
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The Business Safety section has responsibility for the administration of Fire Safety Legislation in the community. Links to guidance, legislation and training information.
Want to know where your local Fire Station is located? By using the boundary map, you can find the Station for your area.
FIRE & RESCUE SERVICE HQ
Finchale Road, Framwellgate Moor, Durham, DH1 5JR
Tel: 0845 305 8383
Fax: 0191 383 0907
Minicom: 0191 384 7840
Email: ServiceHQ@ddfire.gov.uk
In an emergency dial 999
“The Fire Authority wishes to award a contract to a Prime Contractor for replacement Mobilising Communications and Control Systems (MCC) which will deliver an end to end solution for emergency call handling, mobilising, communications and incident management.
The Authority has, therefore, issued a Pre-Qualification Questionnaire to potential suppliers for the provision of Mobilising Communications and Control Systems. This can be accessed via the North East Procurement Organisation (NEPO) portal www.qtegov.com/ . The closing date for this is the 13th February 2012. The process is being managed by Durham County Council on behalf of the Authority.”
Flash Flooding Advice - download the pdf
The Met Office website - http://www.metoffice.com
Traffic Radio on DAB digital or online at http://www.trafficradio.org.uk
HA website - http://www.highways.gov.uk
Highways Agency Information Line 0845 7504030
Local radio broadcasts
The site offers a variety of ways to find solutions and information for your technical support issues. This document will guide you through the Help site interface and provide a general overview of the available tools.
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