Business Safety Advisors and Advocates from Merseyside Fire & Rescue Service will be visiting homes on Tuesday afternoon, May 23 to give fire safety advice ahead of Ramadan.

Our teams will be in the area giving advice about how to cook safely during Ramadan, issuing safety leaflets and carrying out Home Fire Safety Checks.

Our aim is to keep you, your family and neighbours safe during this time of celebration so if you have any questions, or would like any advice or support, feel free to welcome them in. Always ask for ID.

Alternatively, feel free to call us 0800 731 5958 quoting reference 171 or e-mail fireservicedirect@merseyfire.gov.uk for more information.

Watch Manager Eric Daniels said: "We hope people in our Muslim communities have a very safe Ramadan.

"We would urge people to take extra care when preparing food and be extra vigilant in the kitchen to prevent fires.

"People are advised to ensure they switch cooking appliances off after use and to never leave food cooking unattended.

"Tea towels should be kept away from the hob and people are advised to take extra care when wearing loose clothing.

"People are also urged to ensure they have working smoke alarms fitted on each floor of their home, which should be tested each week. A working smoke alarm can give the vital seconds to escape a property in the event of a fire."

Here are some safety tips to help stay safe from fires during Ramadan:

• Ensure cookers and appliances are switched off after use.
• Never leave food cooking unattended.
• Keep combustible materials such as tea towels and cloths away from the hob.
• Take extra care if wearing loose clothing and if possible tie back loose clothing while cooking.
• Ensure pans are never more than a third full with oil.
• Never throw water on a burning pan.
• People should never attempt to tackle a pan fire. In the event of a fire they should, get out stay out and call 999.
• Always have an escape route planned in case of a fire.

For free home fire safety advice or to request a Home Fire Safety Check call 0800 731 5958 or visit www.merseyfire.gov.uk