FIREFIGHTERS in Somerset go on a 24- hour strike from 7am today.

The Fire Brigades Union has decided upon a further day of strike action across England in a dispute with the Government over pension reforms.

Chief Fire Officer Lee Howell said the service has contingency plans in place to ensure it continues to respond to emergencies throughout strike action.

He said: “Fire and Rescue Services have contingency plans and ours will again be put into place to cover this industrial action. Our plans have worked well during the previous periods of strike action, but we are asking the public to help us again by taking extra care.

“We will continue to respond to 999 calls in the normal manner and do everything we can to keep the public safe.”

Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service’s advice is to take extra care with these six steps: Install a smoke alarm and test it every week Take extra care in the kitchen – this is where most fires start Check your electrical appliances – turn them off and don’t overload sockets Put cigarettes out properly Sleep safe – check everything in your home every bedtime Plan a safe escape route so you know how to get out of your home in an emergency.

More details at www.dsfire.gov.uk.