Keeping yourself and others safe
Fire safety
Fire deaths are sadly on the increase. In March of 2024, the GMFRS alerted the BSAB of a tragic fire incident in Bolton to promote an awareness of Home Fire Safety Assessments. Behaviours that contributed to these fires show that residents were:
- In receipt of care
- Usually smokers
- Usually immobile
- Unable to call for help
- Without a completed fire risk safety assessment
With the current cost of living crisis, it is likely that more residents will start to use candles and naked flames as an energy substitute.
Guidance for Professionals and Carers
If you are providing care in any capacity, it is essential that you are able to identify fire risks and are able to take immediate action to address and manage those risks. Working with family members can help to ensure that they are also aware of the dangers that certain behaviours can pose.
Fire risks present themselves in all sorts of ways, so be on the look-out for any safety concerns such as:
- Are smoke alarms fitted correctly in every room?
- Would the resident benefit from receiving telecare and are their smoke alarms linked to it?
Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service (GMFRS) has created a short animation to raise awareness to offer Home Fire Safety Assessments (HFSAs). The animation has been developed to support staff in partner agencies to recognise people at increased risk of fire and refer them for an HFSA. People can be visited to deliver person-centred fire risks assessments, advice, and interventions in their homes.
For further information, visit the GMFRS website for a face-to-face and online training. It provides an overview of the HFSA offer for all staff who are responsible for the health and safety of service users, patients, residents, or clients.
For partner organisations find links here: Partner Information - Greater Manchester Fire Rescue Service
For referrals visit: Home Fire Safety Assessment Partner Referrals
For direct link to the animation on You Tube: https://youtu.be/T0-V6B2R0mY
