CARERS are being reminded that help is available to keep the people they care for safe from fire.

This Carers Week, Hereford and Worcester Fire and Rescue Service (HWFRS) is looking out for vulnerable people.

Station commander Stuart Crebbin, HWFRS said: "Carers Week helps the public to understand more about caring, highlights the challenges carers face and celebrates the contribution carers make to their families and communities throughout the UK.

"There is a lot of help available for carers to make sure that they and their loved ones are protected – be it simple safety advice over the phone or on our website’.

"The simplest thing any carer can do to prevent fire in their home is to make a few easy additions to their normal routine.

"Testing your loved one’s smoke alarms weekly and planning an escape route could help give them the vital extra seconds they need to get out in a fire.

"Simple steps such as closing doors at night and avoiding overloaded plug sockets will help reduce the risk in their home."

Carers Week takes place from Monday June 12 until Sunday June 18.

Mr Crebbin added: "A variety of specialist safety equipment is also available - vibrating smoke alarms for the hard of hearing, and linked alarm systems are just a few options to help you feel safer."

To get a free home fire safety check, call 0800 032 1155 quoting reference NEWS.

For more information visit www.hwfire.org.uk or follow us on Twitter @HWFireSafety