ESCAPE plans, smoke alarms and candle safety were just some of the topics that came up when town firefighters visited a Spa woman's home last week.

Megan Davies, of Shepherds Green, was visited last Tuesday for a free fire home safety check and swotted up on her knowledge of preventing fires at home.

Firefighter Guy Palmer ran through a questionnaire with the Westlands resident and checked she had considered the potential hazards around the home.

Some of the safety tips included having gas appliances regularly serviced, keeping microwave, video and television vents clear and only using candles in specially-designed holders.

Guy said: "In this case Megan has a very safe house but we go through all the items on the list to make sure."

The fire crew also put up a smoke alarm in Megan's house, which has a guarantee of ten years and Guy reminded Megan it has to be tested once a week.

He advised the 88-year-old that if the smoke alarm was to go off at night it would probably be a fire and in that case she should call 999 and get out of the house straight away.

He said: "Wait in a neighbour's house for us to get here so you stay warm.

"We don't mind if it turns out there is no fire, the important thing is that you are safe."

Guy also discussed escape routes. He said if, for any reason, the front door was blocked, Megan should go into her bedroom, shut the door and put bed sheets at the bottom of it to block out the smoke.

He said: "It takes 20 minutes for a fire to get through a door and by that time we will be with you."

Guy added that it is important to be aware of the dangers around the home and have all safety precautions in place.

The free home safety check is available to all town residents and can be arranged by calling 01905 771515.