The unsung ways Hartlepool's fire brigade have been helping keep us safe

Councillors on Cleveland Fire Authority commented on how some of the recent campaigns have still managed to benefit residents across the region despite the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic.

Throughout November the brigade ran a ‘Safer Roads: Be Safe Be Seen’ campaign focusing on safety for all road users.

Part of this involved a giveaway of free hi-vis light up reflectors for walkers, runners, cyclists, pedestrians and even dogs to use to help them be safe and be seen.

A report from Ian Hayton, chief fire officer, said they had ‘unprecedented demand with thousands of people getting in touch’ and it was ‘fantastic’ in supporting engagement with communities.

Cllr Lynn Hall, Stockon-on-Tees representative on the authority, praised the efforts of the brigade and response from residents.

She said: “I found this really quite interesting and I’m delighted that there’s been a fantastic response in some of your initiatives, particularly about the stay safe, Safer Roads: Be Safe Be Seen.

“It is quite amazing that you’ve had the take up really as I’d imagine one of the areas you’d put material out is through our libraries, many of which have been closed through the pandemic.

“Obviously more people are walking, I’m delighted to say, more people are cycling and it’s very important that we keep them safe at this time of year.”

Mr Hayton stressed how they are working very hard with communication and prevention teams to get messages out around road safety and other issues.

He said: “In these times that we’re in, the normal methods of communication have changed in relation to how we get communication out into the communities and make sure it is heard.

“It’s always a challenge to get the messages heard, and we’ve seen that through Covid, how difficult it is to get messages out and ensure the communities have received those.

“But we continue to do that and evaluate not only the campaigns but actually the stretch in relation to our communications.”

Cllr Mary Ovens, Redcar and Cleveland representative on the authority, also praised the ‘Stay Safe and Warm Campaign’ which involves loaning heating equipment to residents in need across Cleveland, subject to an initial assessment.

She also commended firefighters who have gone into homes and continue to do this, adding it is crucial how they can check and notice any issues with the most vulnerable residents.

Mr Hayton noted from April to September the fire brigade carried out more than 6,000 home fire safety visits and over 1,100 safe and well visits.

He said: “One of the issues right at the start, and certainly within the first peak of the pandemic, we developed online tools and virtual visits in relation to home fire safety visits, but quite clearly you cannot fit detection equipment in remotely.

“The visits we did virtually we are now carrying those out and following those up with actual visits in relation to the home.

“While our numbers may be down we are certainly focusing on the geographic areas that need us most.”

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