FAMILIES in Ipswich are being urged to stay safe and avoid the threat of fire this festive season.Suffolk Fire and Rescue service said the risks of injury or even death as a result of a blaze could be dramatically reduced by following simple steps.

FAMILIES in Ipswich are being urged to stay safe and avoid the threat of fire this festive season.

Suffolk Fire and Rescue service said the risks of injury or even death as a result of a blaze could be dramatically reduced by following simple steps.

Assistant chief fire officer, Gary Phillips, said: "Having a smoke alarm gives you a crucial early warning of a fire so you and your family can escape before it's too late - it can really make the difference between life or death.

“It's a terrible fact that most fires are preventable and many lives have been needlessly lost by not having a working smoke alarm in the home.

“Fires happen when we least expect them, often during the night while we're asleep, so if there isn't a smoke alarm fitted to wake you up it's highly likely that the results will be fatal - smoke suffocates quickly so people often die before the flames reach them.

"It is a simple thing to make an escape plan but easy to forget, especially if you have a house full of guests.

“Make sure everyone in your house knows what to do and how to get out in the event of a fire.

“You could save your life and others. Remember, you have a responsibility to those in your home so let's make this Christmas season a safe one.”