Vigilance is the watchword for householders during the firefighters' strike.

Safety experts say extra attention paid to the risk of fire paid off during the last strike when the number of home fires actually dropped.

Roger Vincent, of the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents (ROSPA) said: "These are measures that people should be taking all of the time.

"But this strike will focus people's attention on safety in their own homes."

Although 999 calls will be answered, there are a number of simple precautions every householder should take.

Fire safety tipsT

Put all matches and lighters out of the reach of children

Put a fireguard in front of fires and heaters

If you smoke, make sure you have a deep ashtray and that cigarettes are properly extinguished

Do not smoke in bed

Don't leave cooking unattended

Never fill a chip pan more than one third full of fat

Keep bonfires well away from fences and hedges

Make sure candles are stable and do not leave them unattended

Check around the house for fire hazards before going to bed

Fit smoke alarms, check they are working and test them regularly

For fire information contact 0845 0800 723.