Fire safety for carers.

If you care for a family member, or are a social worker or support worker, find specialist advice here. 

Caring for carers

The help and advice you need to keep vulnerable people safe

Whether you help a loved one maintain their independence or spend your working days caring for others, we're here to support you.

Why it matters

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.

Carers guide to home fire safety

Are you a formal or informal carer, support worker or someone who visits, works or lives with a vulnerable person in their own home? Our ‘Carers Guide to Home Fire Safety’ video will help you identify fire risks and show you what you can do to reduce them.

A Carers Guide to Home Fire Safety

People who need extra consideration

Older people, people with disabilities, people with visual and hearing impairments, and people who are vulnerable for other reasons all need careful consideration when it comes to fire safety. There are 4 main reasons why: 

  1. They may not be able respond to a fire as quickly.
  2. They may not be able to escape a fire
  3. They may be more at risk due to lifestyle factors. 
  4. They may use healthcare equipment such as oxygen or emollient creams that are flammable.

So what do you need to know to give the best possible care?

  • Be aware of the risks
  • Know what you need to do
  • Take action 
  • Know where to go for help

Find out more

Explore advice for carers and support workers

Use the quick links below to skip to the section you're most interested in.

It's also worth downloading the fire safety at home booklet at the bottom of this page.

Person using the Home Fire Safety Checker on their smartphone.

Worried about someone you care for?

We have a simple tool that can guide you around the home helping you spot fire risks, or we can carry out a visit ourselves.

Home Fire Safety Checker (HFSC)

Useful downloads

Checklist for Person-Centred Fire Risk

Download PDF (60kb)

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