Fire safety at home
In the event of a fire emergency call 999.
Some people are known to be more at risk from fires in their home. They are more likely to be killed or seriously injured in any fire that does occur.
These include people who:
- Smoke
- Use alcohol or drugs
- Hoard
- Can not escape from their home in the event of a fire unaided and without support.
The following online resources can help you identify risks in your home and provide you with recommendations to improve fire safety:
The London Fire Brigade Home Fire Safety Checker
A Carers Guide to Home Fire Safety: Learn how to keep people that receive care safe from fire
Free Home Fire Safety Visits
The London Fire Brigade offer free home fire safety visits and advice on fire safety to anyone who might be at risk. Often victims of home fire fatalities are known to local social care, housing and other agencies.
The London Fire Brigade work in the home with older people and people with disabilities to discuss the risks of fire and to look for any visible warning signs.
For more information or to book your free home fire safety visit, go to the London Fire Brigade website
It is important for professionals visiting people in their own homes to discuss fire safety and make a referral where needed.
To assist in identifying risks the Fire Brigade have provided the following person centred fire risk assessment for you to complete:
Checklist for Person-Centred Fire Risk Assessment (PDF)
Fire safety in specialised housing
The summary sheet provides guidance on the various responsibilities for fire safety and a 'Person Centred' approach to identifying fire risks to vulnerable residents in specialised housing such as supported living, hostels and sheltered housing.
Fire Safety in Specialised Housing (PDF)
To refer people with mental health or hoarding behaviours please complete and return the referral form below:
Home fire safety visit - referral form (Word)
Useful information for staff, carers and settings
Fire safety checklist for carers (Word)
Fire safety at home
Cooking - Fire safety at home | London Fire Brigade (london-fire.gov.uk)
Candles - Fire safety at home | London Fire Brigade (london-fire.gov.uk)
E-bike and e-scooter safety
E-bike and e-scooter fires can happen in homes when charging batteries.
Special attention should be paid to bike conversion kits. Do not attempt to modify or tamper with the battery. Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions.
Ways to reduce the risk of overheating
- Batteries can get warm during their use. Allow them to cool down before attempting to re-charge
- Batteries should always be charged on hard flat surfaces where heat can dissipate
- Batteries can also pose a risk if they have been damaged, so try to ensure they are not getting knocked around while in use or while being carried
- Batteries should also never be exposed to extremes of temperature
Where to charge your batteries
- Never block your escape route with e-bikes or e-scooters
- Store and charge them somewhere away from a main through route or exit
- Make sure you and your family have an escape plan in place in the event of a fire. Always call 999, never try to fight the fire yourself
National Fire Chiefs Council E-bikes and e-scooters fire safety guidance
