PREVENTION AND EDUCATION ARE THE KEY TO FIRE SAFETY

Having a phone in your bedroom, turning your TV off at the switch and making sure all doors are closed before going to bed at night - all measures that could save your life if a fire starts in your home.

Visiting Falmouth Fire Station this week, Lib Dem Parliamentary Candidate Terrye Teverson, was shown the extra measures people can take to protect themselves in the event of a fire.

"Firemen spend more time educating the public about fire safety, than they do actually fighting fires. Prevention is better than cure," said Mrs Teverson.

"Most things you should do are fairly obvious really, but I didn't realise that if you have a fire and your television has been left on standby it causes toxic smoke which is particularly dangerous."

Fires can start very easily and spread with frightening speed. Every year there are more than 68,000 fires in people's homes, resulting in 400 deaths and 14,000 injuries.

"Any member of the public can request a home fire safety visit from the fire brigade." explained Mrs Teverson.

"The firemen are able to give advice on what type of fire extinguisher is suitable, check and fit smoke detectors, and what to do in the event of a fire."

"The work the firemen do at Falmouth Fire Station is far beyond what most people imagine. Educating the public about reducing risk in their homes is an essential part of the job."

Mrs Teverson concluded, "I am pleased that Falmouth's full time fire men are to remain in place. At the end of the day people want to feel that they can sleep easy."

If you would like to request a fire home safety visit from the Fire Brigade go online to https://www.fire.gov.uk/