Hethersett - Headquarters
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Address: Whitegates, Hethersett, NR9 3DN This is the Headquarters for Norfolk Fire and Rescue Service Information on: |
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Whitegates was built as a family home in the late eighteenth century. Building at the rear of the house in recent times has replaced the coach house and stables of earlier times.
The house has had various owners over the years. During the Second World War, Whitegates was commandeered for use by the National Fire Service, and purchased by the County Council in 1950. It now serves as the Norfolk Fire and Rescue Service Headquarters with a complement of around 100 staff.
How to Find our Headquarters
The New Fire Station at Ryston Close was opened on the 16th June 2006, having moved from the Priory road site which had provided 70 years of service to the community, during that time the town and local area had developed to a point where a larger modern station with better access was required.
This is a very active station dealing with incidents over a large area, including major road and rail networks, river systems, Industrial estates, and a growing population
Each year Downham Market compile their station plan. The plan enables the station management team to ensure that they are well prepared to deal with emergency in the local and wider areas.
The priorities for 2009/10 are:
RESPONSE
SERVICE PRIORITY : OPERATIONAL ASSURANCE
Improve our systems for securing operational assurance
STATION PRIORITIES:
1. Improve Core Skills
2. Maintain appliance and equipment in a constant state of readiness
3. Improve appliance availability.
PREVENTION
SERVICE PRIORITY: OLDER PEOPLE
Improve the safety of older people in their homes
STATION PRIORITIES:
1. Risk assess the vulnerability of the occupier following false alarm domestic dwelling calls and where necessary refer to partner agency to provide support.
2. Undertake a quick strike following a fire in a residential street.
3. Utilise opportunities to generate HFRC referrals for older people.
PROTECTION
SERVICE PRIORITY: SMOKE DETECTORS
Increase the number of working smoke detectors in domestic dwellings
STATION PRIORITIES:
1. Undertake quick strike following a fire in a residential street.
2. Fit or provide smoke alarms in properties visited during emergency calls where none exist.
3. Utilise opportunities to generate HFRC referrals.
PEOPLE
SERVICE PRIORITY: PEOPLE
To improve the overall competence of the workforce
STATION PRIORITIES:
1. Complete appraisals; undertake reviews and action training needs.
2. Improve use of PDR Pro.
3. Concentrate on risk critical training and core skills.
MANAGE
SERVICE PRIORITY: EFFICIENCY
To achieve future efficiency targets
STATION PRIORITIES:
1. Improve appliance availability.
2. Reduce hours lost due to sickness.
3. Reduce injuries by focusing training on risk critical areas.
COMMUNITY
SERVICE PRIORITY: UNDERSTANDING OUR COMMUNITY
To provide services that reflect the needs and expectations of the community
STATION PRIORITIES:
1. Support one major village event.
2. Respond to all requests positively giving explanation where station cannot support an event and signpost them to alternative sources of information (leaflets, CFS team, LRM support, website)
3. Liaise with partner agencies to develop customer focused initiatives to improve our prevention and protection targets.
