Whether it is at home or at work, fire safety matters to everyone.
Unfortunately, however, it is a sad fact that those in our society who are the most vulnerable, are also most at risk of being injured or dying in a fire.
In the case of residential care homes and also any other environments where vulnerable people will need to rely on others for their safety, East Sussex Fire & Rescue Service would in addition to general fire safety advice, like to highlight the following specific points:
- Ensure that fire compartmentation is good and that fire will not spread. This may involve a more invasive fire risk assessment, especially in older buildings (looking above ceiling voids and under floors etc)
- Ensure that you have a comprehensive Fire Alarm system to BS 5839 Part 1 Category L1 standard
- Ensure there are sufficient trained staff /carers who know how to react in case of fire and who can safely evacuate at least one fire compartment
- Ensure staff are trained in using emergency evacuation devices (slides, evac chairs etc)
- If using beds to evacuate, ensure that they will actually fit through openings
- Ensure fire safety measures are in place at all times and not abused (never wedge fire doors open)
- Ensure exit routes are clear at all times and available for use
- Consider "mutual aid" from adjoining care premises (consult the Fire Service first)
- Take all measures possible to avoid a fire starting in the first place - visit our Black Museum to see some of the common and not so common causes of fire
- Fit a sprinkler system - it's like having a firefighter on duty 24/7 in every room!"
- Do not rely on the Fire Service to intervene - fire can spread quickly and it may take longer than you think for us to get to you.
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Latest Update : 15 May 2020
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