MID and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service remains committed to providing communities with the support they need throughout the Covid-19 pandemic.

We have, however, had to review the way we deliver our services to ensure that our activities within the community do not contribute to the spread of the virus. Some activities have had to be suspended as their very nature requires the close mixing of people which is contrary to the guidance set out by the Welsh Government. Other initiatives have been adapted to allow them to continue, some in full and others in a more limited fashion.

Please be assured that any community safety activities that are undertaken by service staff are done in a way that prioritises the health of both our staff and all members of the community. We regularly review all our community safety activity as the guidance from Welsh Government changes.

There are several teams within the community safety department and below is a brief description of how the work they undertake has changed and what you can expect to see as a result of these changes:

Home Safety

The main work of the home safety team is the delivery of safe and well visits during which we identify how people live within their homes and provide advice and guidance on how to make some small changes to reduce the risk of fires from starting.

This has traditionally been carried out by members of the fire service visiting peoples’ homes to complete a questionnaire, view the property, provide advice and fit safety equipment including smoke alarms where required.

While we have continued to visit people who are at most need of our support throughout the Covid-19 lockdown period we are now looking to resume visits with a wider portion of the community.

In order to reduce the risk of Covid-19 transmission the way we deliver a safe and well visit has been changed in the following ways:

Keeping Our Community Safe

We will regularly review the ways in which we work to ensure that we provide the appropriate advice whilst keeping both our staff and our communities safe. During the Covid-19 period people are spending more time in their homes which makes it even more important that you ensure you and your family are as safe as possible.

If you would like to arrange a safe and well visit go to the website (https://www.mawwfire.gov.uk/eng/your-safety/in-your-home/safe-and-well-during-covid-19/) or call 0800 169 1234.