In Carers Week London Fire Brigade is urging carers to book a free Home Fire Safety Visit for those they care for. New figures reveal that nearly two thirds of all accidental fire related deaths in the home last year involved people who receive care.
Brigade figures show 19 people receiving care sadly died in preventable fires in their home in 2018.
Smoking remained the top cause of fatal fires involving people in receipt of care last year, alongside the unsafe use of portable heating. Simple measures, such as using fire retardant bedding and ensuring portable heaters are used safely and kept away from flammable materials, can help to reduce the risk of these type of fires.
Dan Daly, Assistant Commissioner for Fire Safety, said: "In London, far too many people who receive care are experiencing fires in their homes and unfortunately 63 per cent of accidental fire deaths in the home last year involved people in receipt of care. Even more tragic is that some of these fires could have been avoided.
“New for Carers Week is our online checklist that carers can access to help them assess risks around the home. London Fire Brigade offers free Home Fire Safety Visits to all Londoners, especially those who receive both formal and informal care in their own home. During these visits our officers can give expert advice and guidance to people who look after them.
“We’re urging all carers to take advantage of these completely free tools that help to keep our most vulnerable residents safe.”