Firefighters are set to strike for 24 hours starting at 7am on February 25, with people warned to take extra care.

Cornwall Fire and Rescue Serviceare asking the public to follow some simple fire safety tips during the strike period:

• In the event of fire, you should get out, stay out and call 999 – you will get an emergency response.

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

• Smoke alarms save lives, but only if they’re working. Test them regularly

• Stub cigarettes out properly and dispose of them carefully

• Plan your escape route and make sure everyone knows how to get out in a fire

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

• Do not overload electrical sockets. Watch out for faulty and over-heating electrical equipment, and wiring/cables

• Drinking alcohol? Plan how to get home safely without driving.

Cornwall councillor and cabinet member for communities, Geoff Brown said “I would urge people in Cornwall to be prepared and consider their own safety and that of their family and friends during this period of strike action.

"Whilst the fire service will be making arrangements to ensure people receive an emergency response, there are plenty of ways people can prevent having to call the service out in the first place. During this time of strike action we can all follow the safety advice of the service and take steps to ensure we are safe at home, on the roads and in the workplace.”

Acting chief fire officer, Paul Walker, said: “This is a national dispute between members of the Fire Brigades Union and the Government over proposed changes to pensions and is not directed against Cornwall Council or Cornwall Fire and Rescue Service.

"We have well practised contingency arrangements that maintains a response to 999 emergency calls when required. During this challenging period our priorities remain the same, public and firefighter safety, providing the best emergency response service to the people of Cornwall with the reduced resources available to us and ensuring a quick return to normal working and the high standard of service delivery we provide on a 24/7 basis to communities, businesses and visitors to Cornwall.”