ESSEX firefighters are urging residents to make sure they have the right kind of smoke alarm fitted in their home.  

Last week Essex firefighters were called to a flat fire in Southend which had started after a chip pan was accidentally left on.

The resident, who has hearing loss, was asleep at the time so was not aware her flat was filling with smoke but luckily, a neighbour heard the smoke alarm sounding and called 999.

Paul Pemberton, ECFRS’s Impairment and Disability Officer said: “This incident shows how important it is for people with hearing loss to have the right equipment to help protect them from fire at home.

“Luckily, the neighbour heard the smoke alarm and raised the alarm, which undoubtedly saved her life. But we are urging everyone with hearing loss to make sure they have the right kind of smoke alarm fitted in their home.”

Yesterday, firefighters also saved an elderly woman and her dog from a bungalow fire in Pitsea, after a chip pan caught alight after being left on a hob.

Essex County Fire and Rescue Service provide sensory smoke alarms for people with hearing loss. These alarms are connected wirelessly to a vibrating pad placed under the pillow that operates jointly with the alarm sounding.

The fire service will also help to provide extra assistance to anyone whose needs are not met by the current equipment and will work with the sensory equipment service providers throughout Essex to ensure that they have the best protection.

They provide a free home fire safety visits where specially trained technicians will be able to fit your smoke alarm and give you advice to become safer in your home.

To book a free home fire safety visit and for more fire safety information visit essex-fire.gov.uk or call 0300 303 0088.