If you care for a loved one, or work in the care sector, there is much you can do to help keep the person you care for safe.
Click here to download our Person Centred Fire Risk Assessment Guide
Home care companies should inform their staff about their fire safety responsibilities when working in a private home.
Anyone who needs care support is particularly vulnerable to the dangers of fire, for a variety of reasons:
- They may not be able to respond to a fire as quickly.
- They may not be able to escape a fire.
- They may be more at risk due to lifestyle factors.
- They may use healthcare equipment or medicines which carry a fire risk, such as oxygen or emollient creams.
To give the best possible care, you need to:
- Be aware of the risks
- Know what you can do to reduce these risks
- Take action
- Know where to go for help
We offer free Safe & Well visits, where we come to the home at a convenient time to see what we can do together to make you or the person you care for safer. We will fit free smoke alarms where required.
The appointment normally lasts about an hour and covers topics such as using electricity safely, cooking safely, making an escape plan, what to do if there is a fire and night-time routines. We can also identify and discuss any further support you may need if necessary.
To request a free Safe and Well Visit, please call 0800 038 2323 or click here.
If you are a support worker providing care, there are some extra steps to take:
- Report the risks to your line manager and ask them to discuss a referral for a free Safe & Well visit with the client.
- Communicate with the person’s family or other supporting agencies to consider what other actions can be taken.
- Make sure that fire risk is included in the care plan for your client, including things like using fire retardant bedding, appropriate management of emollient creams, emptying ashtrays and checking smoke alarms.
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