Press Release

Fire Safety Training for Melbourne High-Rise

14/06/2005
Ref: pr 0064

Chelmer Housing Partnership (CHP) has teamed up with Essex Fire Service to deliver high-rise fire safety training for residents of Melbourne Court. The exercise will simulate a fatal fire caused by a gas explosion on the 10th floor with residents from Melbourne Court volunteering to take part in the live rescue.

Andrea O'Callaghan, Quality of Life team manager at CHP, said: "There's nowhere else in Chelmsford like Melbourne Court and we need to know we have practical methods in place to deal with fire in high-density housing. As a landlord, the safety of our residents is vital and we must make every effort to ensure they're aware of fire safety and prevention for their own well-being."

Residents of Melbourne Court were keen to volunteer at a drop-in session at Melbourne Court (17th June 4-7pm) ground floor flats. Dave Barritt, Station Officer at Chelmsford Fire Station, said: "Exercises like these are extremely valuable in reviewing the resilience of operational firefighting and after-care procedures. This exercise is an opportunity to liaise with other agencies and also the residents of Melbourne Court. In the unlikely event of a real fire, it's crucial that residents know what to do to ensure their own safety and understand the importance of maintaining fire safety within their homes."

ENDS

Editor's Notes:

Essex police will also be in attendance at this business continuity exercise.
The training exercise will take place on Sunday 26th June 2005 11am to 1pm. Please contact Victoria Norton on 01245 613111 if you, or a photographer, would like to come along and talk to CHP, Fire Service, or the Police.
As the only high-rise residential block in Chelmsford, Melbourne Court is currently home to approximately 80 people.
Contact: Victoria.norton@chelmerhp.org.uk, 01245 613111, 07709 334403.