CLACTON MP Giles Watling has called on residents to ensure their smoke alarms are working.

Mr Watling wants homeowners to work with Essex County Fire and Rescue Service, which said it is committed to ensuring that all homes in Essex have a working smoke alarm.

To help this happen, they are carrying out home safety visits for anyone living in the county, completely free of charge.

This visit will involve identifying and making residents are aware of the potential fire risks in their home, making sure residents know what to do to reduce or prevent risks and helping residents put together an escape plan in case a fire breaks out in the future.

They will also ensure all homes have a working smoke alarm, even if they have to fit one.

Mr Watling said: “During a recent visit to Clacton fire station, we discussed how home fire safety is so important, and this is a great opportunity for local residents to reduce the risk of potentially devastating fires in their homes.

“I hope that all homeowners in the Clacton constituency will contact Essex County Fire and Rescue Service for a free visit, if they have not done so already.”

“But most importantly, don’t forget, if there is a fire inside your home – get out, stay out and call 999.”

Essex County Fire and Rescue Service will also be providing residents with home fire safety pages, in which they will find information about the common causes of fire in the home and what they can do to prevent them.

To arrange a visit, call 0300 303 0088 or go to essex-fire.gov.uk/Home_Fire_Safety.