Free Home Fire Safety Visits for Vulnerable People in North Somerset
Avon Fire & Rescue are offering free home fire safety visits to vulnerable members of the community as part of their targeted prevention work.
As a way of promoting better fire safety, Avon Fire & Rescue are going to be visiting the most vulnerable members of communities across B&NES, Bristol, South Gloucestershire, and North Somerset. During a 45 minute home fire safety visit, they will carry out a risk assessment and provide the eligible person with advice on how they can minimise their risk.
What is a Home Fire Safety Visit?
From how to prevent fire in the first place to what to do if it does occur, the free visit is intended to make sure vulnerable people across the region are informed when it comes to fire prevention. They’ll even offer guidance on cooking and electrical safety, planning escape routes, and safer night time routines.
If there are no smoke alarms at the property or the existing ones are faulty, they’ll replace them free of charge and provide additional fire safety equipment if necessary. Finally, if they feel it is necessary, they will ask for consent to refer the person to another agency for extra support.
Who Is Eligible for a Free Home Fire Safety Visit?
The free home fire safety visits are designed to support the most vulnerable members of the community, and people in situations where there is an increased risk of fire.
This might include:
- people aged 65 and over
- people who have sight and/or hearing loss
- those with mobility issues
- those with mental health or memory concerns
- people who cannot escape without help in the event of a fire
- families with children under the age of 5
If you think you fit into one or more of these descriptions or know someone who does, request a free home fire safety visit here or call 0117 926 2061.
Tips for Fire Safety at Home
If you’re not eligible for a free home visit, it’s still critical you get to grips with fire safety in the home and carry out your own risk assessment. Take some time to consider each of the following.
Smoke Alarms
Make sure every level of your home is covered, the alarms are connected or contain working batteries, and check regularly for faults.
Electrics
Make sure your electrical appliances have British or European safety marks, that you don’t overload plugs, and ensure everything is clean, well maintained, and in good working order. Watch out for loose wiring or signs of overheating and consider unplugging things that aren’t in use.
Candles
Don’t leave candles unattended, keep them away from flammable materials like curtains, and make sure they are placed on a heat resistant surface or holder.
Smoking
If you smoke, make sure you always extinguish your cigarettes properly and be extra careful if you’re tired, on medication, or have consumed alcohol. If you have children, it’s vital to keep lighters and matches out of their reach.
Kitchen
Take care when cooking and take pans off the heat or turn them down if you need to leave the room, even briefly. Keep flammable materials away from sources of heat, don’t put anything metal in a microwave, and make sure everything is off when you’ve finished cooking. If there is a kitchen fire, turn off the heat if you can do so safety, but never use water or try to tackle it yourself – call 999!
Escape Plans
Take some time with all members of the household to plan an escape route and an alternative route if the first one is not an option. Always keep exits clear and make sure everyone knows how to open doors and windows
Night Time
Every time you go to bed, it’s advisable to make sure your cooker is off, other electrical appliances are off, if not unplugged, internal doors are closed, and exits are clear.
Further Advice
For more guidance, visit the Avon Fire & Rescue website where you can download a free home fire safety booklet.