Kent Fire and Rescue advise that, following a national dispute on pensions between the Government and the Fire Brigades Union, the FBU has confirmed that its members will be striking for seven hours from 10am on Saturday 21 June 2014.

There will also be a ban on voluntary overtime across England and Wales from 9am on 13 June until 10am on 21 June and from 5pm on 21 June to 9am on 22 June.

Plans are being prepared to respond with a contingency level of fire and rescue services in Kent during these periods but KFRS are asking people to do what they can to help reduce the risk of fire in their homes.

Reduce your house fire risk during the next Kent Fire Brigade strike

Homeowners are advised to stay safe by:

• Checking your smoke alarm every week
• Never leave cooking unattended (in the kitchen or outdoors)
• Avoid cooking if you’ve been drinking alcohol – this is a major cause of fires.
• Checking to ensure you are not overloading your plug sockets – electricity can cause house fires
• Trying recycling or composting instead of having a bonfire
• Never leaving candles burning if you’re not in the room

But the fire brigade is not just there to help with house fires, their role extends outside our homes to rescue us from road traffic incidents and natural dangers. These services will also be impacted by the strike action.

Stay safe outside

Kent Fire and Rescue Services ask that we:

• Drive according to the weather conditions, it’s not compulsory to drive as fast as the speed limit.
• Always wear your seatbelt

• Never jump into lakes, rivers or streams – be cautious
• Always make sure someone is with you when you’re swimming

Business owners can also find lots of helpful information about reducing the risk of fire.

Find out more about Guardian’s full range of fire protection equipment for commercial premises and homeowners.