Ability to respond and escape

If the person you care for is bed bound or spends most of their time in a chair or be, they are particularly at risk. Please consider their needs and make sure appropriate measures are taken so they can safely escape if there is a fire. 

These factors might mean a person might not be able to react as quickly in the event of a fire.

• There are no working smoke alarms installed, or there isn't a smoke or heat alarm in every room where a fire might start.
• The person has a history of alcohol dependency or drug misuse (prescribed or recreational).
• Mental health conditions such as dementia or learning difficulties.
• Physical health issues including sensory impairments, such as hearing or sight.
• The property is not meant to be used for sleeping accommodation and fire safety features like fire doors and alarms haven't been fitted.

Reduced ability to escape a fire

Some people might not be able to escape a fire as quickly as other, due to factors such as:

• Reduced mobility due to a physical disability, age-related problems or as a result of a long-term illness
• Escape routes are not kept clear, or are blocked – hoarding disorder may be a factor
• Conditions that affect decision-making.

If you know or work directly with anyone who has any combination of the risk factors, please encourage them to arrange a free home fire safety visit. Visits can be arranged at any time, and specialist sensory alarms can also be fitted if required for those who are deaf or hard of hearing.

If any of these signs are combined with limited mobility – for example, if the person you care for is bed bound or spends most of their time in a chair – the person is particularly at risk. It's important to make sure appropriate measures are taken so they know what to do in the event of a fire in their home, and react appropriately.