Suffolk Fire and Rescue Service and Suffolk Family Carers are working together to help vulnerable people and their family carers plan ahead in case of a fire emergency.

F.A.C.T (Fire and Carers Together) is a voluntary registration scheme for Family Carers and people with sight, hearing or mobility difficulties, mental health illnesses and learning disabilities and is a free service to the community.

When you register with F.A.C.T. the information you provide about your additional needs will be held on a confidential database in Suffolk Fire and Rescue Service Control Room and will only be used if a fire occurs at your home.

The information will assist Suffolk Fire and Rescue Community Safety Team in dealing with your needs in a sensitive and understanding manner. It will also assist Fire fighters in dealing with any potential hazards in your home such as oxygen cylinders, medical equipment etc in case of a fire. FACT is able to give information about Suffolk Family Carers services and/ or signpost to other organisations accordingly.

Cllr Joanna Spicer, Suffolk County Council's Portfolio Holder for Public Protection, said; "By registering with F.A.C.T you have peace of mind that Suffolk Fire and Rescue Service will already know that a vulnerable person lives in your house and needs special attention in case of a fire".

"This service is a great example of how Suffolk County Council is working with its partner organisations to try to make life safer for people living in the county."

If you require any further advice or information on how to register your details please contact the Community Safety Team on 01473 260586 or Suffolk Family Carers on 01473 835400.

You can also ask for a Community Safety Officer to come to your home and conduct a Home Fire Safety Check. This gives you an opportunity to discuss any concerns you may have and put in place fire safety plans to fit your special needs.