HALTON residents are urged to be extra vigilant as firefighters have announced another two strikes in a national protest over changes to their pension.

Members of the Fire Brigades Union plan to walk out on Friday, December 13, from 6pm to 10pm, and on Saturday, December 14, from 6pm to 10pm.

Cheshire Fire and Rescue Service is confident that it is once again prepared to handle the upcoming industrial action.

A spokesman for the service said: “We do have plans and procedures in place that will enable us to continue to protect the communities of Cheshire during strike periods.

“However, as we do have less fire engines available we would once again encourage everyone to take extra care during the strike.”

They offered householders the following safety tips.

Don’t overload plug sockets with Christmas lights and remember to switch them all off before you go to bed.

Anyone going out and enjoying Christmas parties is warned not to start cooking when you have had a drink.

Make sure you have a working smoke alarm installed in your home, know exactly how to get out of your home if a fire was to break out and keep wheelie bins locked away.