Welcome
Welcome to this toolkit which has been developed to equip all those who come into contact with people who are at increased risk of fire in their homes with the knowledge and understanding they need to help prevent fatal or serious fire incidents. It contains a free e-learning course on fire prevention and safeguarding which draws on the 8 key principles from the most common themes identified in serious adults and children safeguarding reviews. The principles are introduced through a video clip. The fire prevention guidance focus on environmental factors, and lifestyle and behavioural factors to then explore the specific health and social care needs to take a person-centred approach to keep people safe from harm by fire.
The case studies in this toolkit are based on real lived experiences of people who have died or who have been seriously injured in a fire. Each one is a personal tragedy, and has deeply affected their families and friends. Their stories cover the most common fire risk factors, and very sadly they show that more could be done by those who came into contact with them to keep them safe. We therefore urge you to take the time to complete the e-learning, and come back to this site to further explore and refresh your learning.
The toolkit also draws on the Person Centred Framework (PCF) that supports all Fire and Rescue Services (FRS) to deliver a standardised and evidence-based approach to Home Fire Safety Visits (HFSVs), published by the National Fire Chief Council (NCC). They also publish a Checklist for Person Centred Fire Risk Assessment, or the equivalent, for anyone who comes into contact with vulnerable people to complete to then decide what action to take to address the concern. Visit your local FRS website to access the PCFRA template, or equivalent, that applies to your area. They also provide information to help you screen the level of fire risk concerns. Further information can be found on the Fire Prevention page.
The toolkit also contains a Clutter Rating Tool which can be used to assess the level of hoarding in a person's home.
Guidance for how to refer a safeguarding concern is available on each Local Child Safeguarding Partnership (or equivalent) and Safeguarding Adults Board's websites.
