HOSPITALS schools and businesses across East Lancashire are on high alert in case the firefighters strike goes ahead.

Safety packs have been sent out by the fire service outlining how to minimise risks and respond should a fire break out.

The area faces the prospect of being covered by just nine Green Goddess engines and military fire crews based on spots near the M65 when the strikes begin on October 29.

John Dell, Operations Director for Blackburn, Hyndburn and Ribble Valley Healthcare Trust, said a comprehensive range of precautions had been planned across the Trust, which runs Blackburn Royal Infirmary and Queen's Park Hospital.

He said they would have 24-hour cover from fire response teams at the two main sites which already played a part whenever there was a fire incident.

They were fortunate because the Trust's fire prevention officer and security manager were trained firefighters.

The trust had also bought new equipment, including breathing apparatus for the fire response teams which they had been testing.

He said: "All members of staff are on a heightened state of alert in spotting and reporting hazards.

"There's still a risk involved but by bringing in these measures, we have reduced that risk."

A spokeswoman for Blackburn with Darwen Council said: "We have sent out advice to schools on risk assessment measures.

"In the event of a strike, we will issue further information when the schools return from half-term on Monday."

The information includes general fire safety and what do to if an automatic fire alarm goes off.

Lancashire County Council has worked closely with Lancashire Fire and Rescue Service in preparing contingency plans for schools.

Fire service spokesman John Taylor said they had distributed advice to businesses, particularly those with a high fire risk.

He said: "Essentially, the advice we have given out is for people to revisit their existing fire safety precautions and procedures and make sure they are well known among staff.

"Businesses have to have a fire safety plan as part of health and safety regulations and we hope they have them firmly in mind".

Householders are advised to make sure they have working smoke alarms and escape routes planned.

Caution is urged over using chip pans, open fires, portable heaters and smoking materials. People are being urged to switch off and unplug electrical appliances before bedtime.

Ninety per cent of firefighters voted for industrial action in favour of a 40 per cent pay rise up to £30,000 a year.

Strikes are due to take place from October 29 to 31; November 2 to 4; 6 to 14; 22 to 30; December 4 to 12 and 16 to 24.