Fire safety

Risk factors which increase the vulnerability of an individual to fire are known to be linked to those which affect a person’s health and wellbeing , including:

age.
mobility.
smoking.
alcohol use.
mental health.
living alone.

That is why the Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service (TWFRS) have added in additional health and wellbeing elements to their standard home fire safety checks. The Safe and Well Visits aim to identify all fire and lifestyle associated hazards in order to reduce the risk of having a fire or accident in the home.

TWFRS staff deliver various methods of fire safety education and protection advice and will fit appropriate smoke and heat detection. This includes specialised smoke and heat detection for the deaf and hard of hearing if required.

Education and advice will be tailored to the personal needs and circumstances of the occupier in their home. Staff will ensure that all aspects of fire safety and lifestyle risks are covered during the visit, including:

Fire escape plans.
Bedtime routine.
Kitchen and cooking safety.
Electrical safety.
Smoking safety.
Candle safety.

Where needed, there will also be an offer of brief advice and onward referral to partners about:

Smoking cessation.
Alcohol and substance misuse.
Dementia.
Winter warmth.
Social isolation.
Hoarding.
Flu vaccine advice.
Access to benefits.
Carers support.
Crime prevention.

You can request a Safe and Well Visit by visiting www.twfire.gov.uk/hsc or call 0800 032 7777 (freephone).

If there is a critical risk of fire, and you are unable to gain consent to refer to the fire service, you can email safeguarding@twfire.gov.uk and discuss the options that are available.