Firefighters across the county are is sharing fire safety tips and advice as part of Home Safety Week 2019.

Essex County Fire and Services, campaign which runs from Monday, September 30 to Sunday, October 6, have been sharing safety recommendations throughout the week.

Fire crews are also encouraging Essex residents to book in a free home visit where the team can install smoke alarms.

Most homes have smoke alarms installed (95 per cent) but in nearly 20 per cent of accidental house fires in the UK, smoke alarms failed to activate.

The most common reasons were the smoke failed to reach the detector and because batteries were either missing or defective.

Kieron Moir, home safety operations manager, said: “The best way you can protect you and your family from the first sign of fire is to have a working smoke alarm in every level of your home.

“We want everyone in Essex to live safe and well and we offer free home safety visits to all Essex residents. If you want us to come and fit smoke alarms for you or talk to you about ways to better protect your home, then please book a free visit.”

By following these top safety tips, you can help make sure you are safe at home:

• Make sure you have smoke alarms on every floor of your home

• Smoke alarms save lives, but only if they are working. Please test smoke alarms regularly

• Take extra care in the kitchen and never leave cooking unattended

• Avoid using a chip pan or any other pan filled with hot oil

• Don’t overload electric sockets– most can only take a maximum of 13 amps

• Keep matches and lighters away from children

• Keep clothes well away from heaters and open fires

• Put out cigarettes properly and dispose of them carefully

• Don’t charge things like mobile phones, tablets or e-cigs overnight, or longer than the recommended charging time

• Plan an escape route and make sure everyone in the house knows how to get out in the event of a fire

Book your free home safety visit here: www.essex-fire.gov.uk/book