UK SHOUT about Fire Brigade Home Safety Checks
By Chris Elliott…..
A moment’s lack of attention can lead to problems at home, as I discovered recently when frying some sausages, which triggered a smoke alarm. This resulted in the arrival of the local fire brigade within 8 minutes of being alerted by an agency monitoring my property’s security system, and after a brief check, they left with my sincere thanks and apologies.
So when I came home recently, I found a postal card had been delivered by the Fire Brigade who had visited the area and had been carrying out Home Safety Checks which cover the following:
Home Safety Checks
- Fire Risk Assessment: Firefighters or prevention officers assess each room for potential fire hazards.
- Smoke Alarm Check: They ensure you have working smoke alarms on every level of your home and may install free 10-year alarms if needed.
- Carbon Monoxide Safety: In some areas, they also check for carbon monoxide risks and may provide free CO alarms.
- Escape Plan: They help you create or review a fire escape plan tailored to your home and mobility needs.
- Health & Wellbeing Advice: They may offer basic health checks, discuss lifestyle risks (like smoking or falls), and refer you to partner agencies for further support.
- Tailored Support: Visits are adapted to your specific needs—especially for older adults, people with disabilities, or those living alone.
Who Can Get a Visit?
Eligibility varies by region, but priority is often given to:
- Older adults (typically 65+)
- People with mobility issues or disabilities
- Individuals with mental health concerns or substance misuse issues
- Households with young children or vulnerable residents
Why Fire Services Do This
These visits go beyond fire safety—they’re part of a broader public health initiative. Firefighters are uniquely positioned to access homes and identify risks that might otherwise go unnoticed. The goal is to reduce emergency incidents and improve the quality of life.
If you or someone you know might benefit, you can usually book a visit through your local fire service’s website or by phone.
During my home visit, Patryk Weygert told me that they also attend meetings with community groups to give advice and information on how to stay safe at home.
My Home Safety Check
So back to my home check when Patryk checked my smoke alarms and property safety monitoring system, and in the kitchen, which is a potential danger area,
He explained the risk of having toasters underneath kitchen wall cabinets, wall-mounted paper kitchen towels near hobs, and advised that wherever possible, power should be turned off to appliances when not in use.
This potential danger was brought home to me in a newsletter from Cambridgeshire Fire Brigade, which reported the case of a house that was destroyed by fire caused by an e-scooter battery being charged in the kitchen.
The good news was that the family was able to exit the property unharmed. The Fire Brigade report noted that of 14 fire crews attending home fires that around half of the fires involved e-scooters or e-bike batteries being charged.
So I am glad I was able to find out more about Home Safety, and don’t forget you can find lots of information and tips on Home Safety, from the UK Fire Fighters.
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