FIRE chiefs are offering free advice to elderly residents who are worried about staying safe in their homes.

People can take advantage of a home fire safety visit, which includes checks on smoke alarms and tips on how to reduce the risks of a blaze taking hold.

David Proctor, local senior officer for Renfrewshire, East Renfrewshire and Inverclyde, said: “Our firefighters will continue to work tirelessly to protect and support communities through key preventative work such as free home fire safety visits.

“They will visit people to provide safety advice and also check or install smoke detectors but we are particularly keen to assist the most vulnerable and elderly residents to stay safe.

“I would appeal to anyone who has elderly or vulnerable grandparents or who might know of a neighbour who could benefit from our assistance to get in touch.”

For more information, call 0800 0731 999 or complete the online form at www.firescotland.gov.uk/your-safety/hfsv-form.aspx.