WYRE Forest householders are being urged to draw up their own escape plans to be put into action if a fire breaks out.

The initiative is being promoted by Hereford and Worcester Fire Brigade as part of National Fire Safety Week, which gets underway on Saturday.

The Make Your Plan. Get Out Alive campaign is encouraging residents to develop a Fire Action Plan.

Among factors they should consider are identifying escape routes, installing a smoke alarm and making sure that everyone in the house knows where door keys are kept.

Doors should also be closed at night and regular fire drills should be carried out.

Kidderminster Fire Station's commander, David Williams, said: "Many deaths and injuries from house fires could be prevented by taking some basic precautions.

"When fire breaks out in your home, you only have a few minutes to get out alive.

"Making a Fire Action Plan with your family and ensuring everyone knows what to do in the event of a house fire could give you the extra few minutes needed to get out safely.

"It could be one of the most valuable investments you and your family ever make."

Between 1998-99, six people died and 200 were injured in 1,315 fires across Worcestershire and Herefordshire.