The fire service is reaching out to carers to remind them to keep themselves and those they care for safe.

The Hereford and Worcester Fire and Rescue Service (HWFRS) is supporting them as part of the Fire Kills Campaign this Carers Week (10-16 June).

Fire safety is a growing concern for those caring for an older relative, sick friend or disabled family member.

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This week, HWFRS wants to remind carers that they are not alone.

Help, advice, and solutions are available to make their tasks easier and the homes of those they care for safer.

Emma Roberts, head of prevention at HWFRS said: "There is lots of help available for carers to make sure that they and their loved ones are protected – be it simple safety advice over the phone, booking a free Home Fire Safety Visit, helping them complete the free online home fire safety check or helping them find the specialist equipment they need.

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

She added: "Testing your loved ones’ smoke alarms at least monthly 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.

"A huge 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."

The HWFRS has also provided a list of everyday safety tips.

These include making sure those under your care are registered with the nearest fire and rescue service, especially if they have sight, hearing or mobility difficulties or use oxygen.

You can contact emergency services on 18000 via minicom or text.

Making sure care receivers know what to do and practicing an escape route during a fire is also important.

For protection at night, when most fires occur, smoke alarms should be placed in bedrooms to alert the person you care for.