You'll avoid a home loss by playing safe when the World Cup kicks off, says West Sussex County Council Fire and Rescue Service.

Local firefighters are concerned people will forget to follow basic fire safety guidelines when they're fired up by World Cup fever.

Roger Wood , West Sussex Fire and Rescue Service Community Safety Officer, said: "We want everyone in the county to enjoy the World Cup.

"But as we know from experience – fires start when attention stops. And people of all ages throughout West Sussex will certainly have their minds elsewhere when an England game kicks off.

"It is, without a doubt, going to be a time for getting together with friends and family. However, times when people get together are times when there are more deaths and injuries from fire.

"This is because you're relaxed or distracted, you're cooking in a rush, there are more people than usual in your home. All the usual risks get bigger. So you need to be extra careful when:

Children are about.
Smoking – put out enough ashtrays, so ash or butts don't get dropped into places like waste paper baskets.
Drinking.

"We also advise you to:

• Keep the exits from your home clear so people can escape if there is a fire.
• Take extra care in the kitchen - accidents while cooking account for over half of fires in homes.
• Never leave young children alone in the kitchen.
• Don't overload electrical sockets. Remember one plug for one socket.
• Take special care when you are tired or when you've been drinking – and don't drive after you've been drinking."

Lionel Barnard , County Council Cabinet Member for Public Protection, said: "I urge everyone to follow these simple guidelines that our fire safety experts are issuing to ensure we're all World Cup winners in the weeks to come."