Fire safety in the home - Carers Module
If you care for a family member, or are a social worker or support worker, we are here to support you. On this page you will find specialist advice to help you keep yourself, and the person you care for, safe.
Why is it important to us?
A third of the people that die in fires every year are looked after by a carer, whether that is a family member, friend or a professional carer. We believe that by working together, we can reduce fire deaths and injuries of vulnerable people.
We encourage everyone to book a Home Safety Visit. We will visit anyone living in Essex, provide fire safe advice, signpost to other organisations if needed and check smoke alarms (and fit new alarms if required).
Every page has a "print-friendly version" link so the page can be easily printed off if needed.
Complete an online home safety check for yourself or someone else
Worried about someone you care for?
Book a home safety visit with us. We can provide bespoke advice based on the person you care for's home and individual needs during a home fire safety visit.
They can be arranged 24/7, and we will fit free smoke alarms if the person you care for needs them. Specialist alarms can also be provided and fitted for anyone with sensory impairment.
General fire safety guidance
All risk assessments of premises or patients must consider the risks posed by fire. We advise that:
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Risk assessments must consider the individual’s environment, behaviours and the risk they pose to others, not just themselves
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When caring for householders with limited mobility, consider the provision of inter-linked smoke alarms connected into a tele-care, carecall or life-line type system
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The difference between a hospital, residential care setting and a domestic household must be considered
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If there is heightened risk from fire, make a referral to us for a home fire safety visit as these provide bespoke advice and support to reduce risk and improve fire safety awareness in the home
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Discourage smoking in, or on any bed. If an individual is insistent on smoking they should smoke away from their bed and mattress and only when a capable person is with them to offer immediate assistance if required
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Fire retardant covers, bedding or clothing for at-risk smokers must always be considered, particularly if they are confined by immobility. This is the responsibility of any agency owing a duty of care for the health, safety and wellbeing of someone who may be likely to be at heightened risk. Provide enough protective bedding to allow items to be washed
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Keep all ignition sources away from bedding and dynamic air flow mattresses and don’t use them with electric blankets
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Don’t burn candles in the room of a person at heightened risk from fire
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Don’t overload plug sockets and ensure electrical items are maintained, switched off and unplugged when not in use.