The Chief Fire Officer of North Wales Fire and Rescue Service is again urging the public across the region to'take extra care'at home and on the roads after the Fire Brigades Union's announcement that a fourth strike on pensions will take place between10am and 2pm on Wednesday 13 Novemberin England and Wales.

Chief Fire Officer,Simon Smith, stressed: "Attention to fire safety in the home and road safety is of paramount importance, but even more so during these times.

"I would reassure the public that whilst the action by the Fire Brigades Union will obviously result in a reduction in the resources at our disposal, North Wales Fire and Rescue Service has arrangements in place to continue to provide a service during strike action.

"However, I would warn residents that it is likely that during the strike period we won't be able to respond as we normally would - prevention is best, so take these simple steps to ensure your safety and those of your loved ones;

• Ensure you have a smoke alarm and test that it is in working order
• Do not mix drinking and cooking - it's a recipe for disaster. If you are hungry get a takeaway or make a sandwich. Do not get the chip pan out or leave cooking unattended
• Avoid any unnecessary journeys - if you are unfortunate enough to be in a collision we may not be able to get there to help you as quickly as we normally would
• Switch off any unused electrical appliances before you go to bed and close all doors - make sure you have an escape plan in the event of fire
• Ensure you extinguish smoking materials and take care with candles
• Get your chimney cleaned and use a fire guard on open fires
• If a fire does start - get out, stay out and call 999. Don't be tempted to tackle a fire yourself."

Safety advice and guidance for the public and businesses is available on the North Wales Fire and Rescue Service website and social network sites on Facebook and Twitter(#takeextracare), as well as through the local news.

Members of the public who may need to call the fire and rescue service regarding a non-urgent matter during a period of industrial action are requested to consider waiting until strike action ends to make that call.

The Fire Brigades Union has also announced the start of a further ballot for other forms of industrial action, which will close on Wednesday 4 December.