As part of Home Fire Safety Week 12-18 June, Cumbria Fire and Rescue Service and the National Fire Chiefs Council (NFCC) are urging people to reduce their risk of house fires.

Many households continue to struggle with the cost of living and people may have made changes or bought products which could mean they run the risk of a fire. A few simple checks and changes can help keep homes safer, reduce injuries and save lives.

The week of action is supported by fire and rescue services across the UK and covers a range of areas, such as electrical safety, smoking and the dangers of illegal cigarettes, and the offer of home safety fire checks and fire safety advice from Cumbria Fire and Rescue Service.

It also provides the opportunity to promote the easy to use online home fire safety check, www.ohfsc.co.uk. This free, online tool guides the home owner through the different rooms in their home, asking simple questions regarding your home, assesses whether or not you are at risk and provides details to arrange a home visit from Cumbria Fire and Rescue Service. These visits can unlock vital safety help, advice and solutions, while offering help from a range of organisations.

For instance, people should make sure they have at least one smoke alarm on every level of their home and carbon monoxide alarms if they have fuel burning appliances such as boilers, open fires and wood burners. They must be tested regularly to make sure they work.

Area Manager, Ian Seel, Cumbria Fire and Rescue Service Prevention lead comments: “As part of Home Fire Safety Week we are offering help and advice to help people stay safer in their homes. This ranges from simple steps such as installing smoke detection and checking electrical items are safe to how fire services can assist people who are more vulnerable.

“I am hoping that by giving practical help and advice, we can raise awareness and offer useful assistance. Prevention work is at the heart of all fire and rescue service work and we are here to help.”