Safety is given top priority as housing association Cartrefi Cymunedol Gwynedd (CCG) launches new plans for fire management in its purpose built flats.

Over the coming weeks and months CCG will be pushing strong fire safety messages as it raises awareness amongst tenants of what to do if there is a fire in their flat. The campaign will coincide with the beginning of a £1.2 million two year programme of work to upgrade flats to improve safety.

CCG's plans, developed with support from the North Wales Fire and Rescue Service and approved by CCG Tenant and Residents Partnership mean that once the work has been carried out if there is a fire it is contained where it breaks out.

The work will include installing new fire doors and carrying out fire safety measures recommended by fire risk assessors. Individual flats will be protected with hard wired smoke and heat detectors and where appropriate 'safe to stay' evacuation procedures will be implemented.    

Ffrancon Williams, Chief Executive of CCG said: "Tenant safety is a priority for us so we will be working hard to make sure they understand the changes we are making and the work we are doing to improve fire safety in their homes. Once work starts we will be holding drop in session with Fire Officers and visiting residents individually to explain how they should respond if there is a fire."

Paul Jenkinson, Head of Business Fire Safety with North Wales Fire and Rescue Service, said: "Cartrefi Cymunedol Gwynedd is making great efforts to ensure the safety of all their residents from the effects of fire and is investing considerable sums of money to ensure that the premises are safe for all their residents in the event of a fire. North Wales Fire and Rescue Service has worked closely with CCG to explain the importance of ensuring appropriate levels of safety when considering implementing a 'Safe to stay' policy."

The new policy will not come into force in any block of flats until work has been finished in that particular block and does not apply to houses and bungalows. If tenants are affected they will be informed, but are encouraged to contact CCG on 0300 123 8084 if they are unsure if the new plans apply to them.