As the cost of living soars, Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Services (GMFRS) is urging people to take fire safety precautions in the home to stay safe.

The advice coincides with the launch of the National Fire Chiefs Council’s (NFCC) Home Fire Safety Week which aims to keep people safe from fire in their homes.

It is estimated one in four UK households are in fuel poverty and it is reported that the current cost of living issues could push more households into fuel poverty. As more people look to reduce heating bills, GMFRS wants to ensure people are keeping warm safely.

Fire officers advise people to buy electrical products from reputable retailers and make sure items such as portable heaters and electric blankets are in good working order.

GMFRS offers a free Online Home Fire Safety Check tool, where households can complete a home fire safety check to help identify fire hazards in the home and get advice on simple changes you can make to reduce the risk of a fire.

Area Manager Billy Fenwick, Head of Prevention at GMFRS, said: “As the cost of living increases across the UK, we are offering practical help and advice to help Greater Manchester residents stay safer in their homes.

“Prevention is at the heart of our Service’s work, and we are here to help. We encourage residents to complete our free Online Home Fire Safety Check which helps identify fire hazards in your home and follow our safety advice to reduce the risk of a home fire.”

GMFRS is also running a campaign to support NFCC’s Home Fire Safety Week by highlighting the importance of fitting and testing smoke alarms in the home, as well as escape planning.