Party goers are being warned to take extra care on New Year's Eve as firefighters go on strike.

FBU members will walk out between 6.30pm and 12.30am on New Year’s Eve in their continuing national dispute with the Government over pensions.

Chief fire officer and chief executive Des Prichard said: “While emergency cover will again be provided firefighters and officers who are not members of the FBU, we are preparing for a busy night.

"We need help from members of the public to make sure that crews are not called out unnecessarily and are free to respond to real emergencies. Priority will be given to incidents where lives may be at risk.

“The timing of the strike has given us an additional challenge, but we are ready to respond. If you have a fire, get out, stay out and dial 999.”

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How you can help

If you are going out make a clear choice between drinking or driving and plan how you are going to get home.

If you are planning a big night out, remember that you can still be over the limit on the morning after so don't assume you are safe to drive.

It’s a good idea to avoid cooking after you get home from the pub or club as more than half of accidental house fires start in the kitchen. A takeaway or cold snack is your safest option.

If you are celebrating at home make sure that you take extra care in the kitchen and don't get distracted by your guests.

Remember to switch off Christmas lights and snuff out candles before you go to bed. Cigarettes and cigars should be stubbed out and disposed of carefully. Make sure you have a working smoke alarm on each floor of your house and make sure that you and your guests know how to get out safely in an emergency.

Please don't take any additional risks, such as having fireworks displays or lighting open fires when you haven't had you chimney checked recently.

Weather

The recent storms have highlighted how destructive wind and rain can be.

If you have any outside decorations at your home or business, please ensure they are secure or consider removing them.

If water levels are already high in your area and you may be at risk of flooding, think about buying sandbags, move valuables or items of sentimental importance from the ground floor of your home and work out a plan of action if you do need to leave your home in a hurry.