Laois Fire Service are holding a series of talks to mark Fire Safety Week 2025.

National Fire Safety Week will run from October 13 to October 19, and aims to enhance fire safety, particularly in the home.

This year's theme will focus on Community Fire Safety and aim to highlight how we can look out for one another and support the most vulnerable members of the community.

Laois Fire Service will pay visits to local libraries in Laois to share practical fire safety advise and answer any queries the public may have.

Pictured: Laois Fire Service

"By sharing simple, practical fire safety advice / tips with neighbours, friends and family, we can all play a part in keeping our communities fire safe," Laois Fire Service said.

Fire safety tips that will be shared include:

• Fit a smoke alarm in every room (except the bathroom and garage) to protect your home.
• Get your chimney cleaned and your heating serviced once a year.
• Always use a sparkguard with open fires. 
• Keep a suitable fire extinguisher and fire blanket in the kitchen.
• Empty ashtrays before you go to bed. Run the contents under the tap before you bin them, and never ever smoke in bed, or if you're tired or on medication.
• Fix or replace faulty electrical appliances straightaway.
• Do a quick fire safety check before bedtime.
• Close all doors at night.

"By regularly doing routine fire safety checks, following the STOP Fire steps,  and by encouraging others to do the same, we can raise awareness of fire safety and safeguard our homes and our communities," Laois Fire Service said.

"Once a fire starts, if can be relentless, so it's crucial to do everything possible to prevent one."

 The 'STOP' method is often used as a preventative measure:

• S – Smoke alarms. Make sure you have at least one on every level/floor.
• T –Test your smoke alarms weekly or ask someone to check it for you.
• O – Obvious dangers. Look out for fire risks like overloaded sockets, candles and unattended appliances.
• P – Plan your escape route. Keep access routes clear and have your keys at the ready

"We can all play a part in keeping our communities fire safe," the Fire Service finished.

See the schedule of talks from Laois Fire Service in Laois libraries below:

Portlaoise- October 15, from 5pm to 7pm.

Portarlington- October 15, 4:30pm to 5:30pm.

Mountmellick- October 14, 5pm to 7pm.

Mountrath- October 16, from 5pm to 7pm

Stradbally- October 16 from 5:30pm to 7:30pm

Abbeyleix- October 16 from 5pm to 7pm

Durrow- October 14 from 6pm to 7:30pm.

Read Next: Storm Amy leads to Laois Met Éireann weather warning