FIREFIGHTERS are warning people to treat electricity with the greatest care - or it could cost them their home or even your life.

Cleveland Fire Brigade has teamed up with the Electrical Safety Council to raise awareness of the dangers and pass on safety tips during Electrical Fire SafetyWeek fromMonday to Sunday, September 30.

Last year, electrical accidents caused more than 50 house fires and one fatality across the brigade area.

Now, a series of drop-in events will be used to advise people on how to reduce the risks in their home.

The brigade is encouraging people to bring along small electrical items which they are concerned about - such as toasters or electric blankets - for a free safety check.

Where people are eligible, faulty electric items will be replaced free of charge.

Drop-in events are in: The Middlesbrough Life Store in the Cleveland Centre, Middlesbrough, on Tuesday, 10am to 4pm; Wellington Square, Stockton, onWednesday, 10am to 4pm; Middleton Grange Shopping Centre, Hartlepool , on Thursday, 10am to 4pm; and Redcar High Street on Friday, 10am to 4pm.

Spokesman Phil Lancaster said: "Millions of people expose themselves to potentially fatal accidents at home - particularly in the kitchen - because they don't understand the dangers of electricity.

Please don't be one of them."

People can call 01429-874063 to arrange a fire safety check.