Preventing Fire Deaths
On 28th April 2023, Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service (TWFRS) had the privilege of hosting a region-wide conference with partners to help improve the lives of the people in their service area.
The event was attended by industry leaders including safeguarding professionals, housing associations, health organisations, care providers and local charities. There were discussions about what can be done to keep people safe in their homes from fire-related risks. There was a focusing on working together and case studies were provided by TWFRS Prevention and Education Team which emphasised what had worked well.
As part of the event, we a Preventable Fire Deaths Briefing was launched which includes information on trending fire risks and the actions that professionals can take to help protect the people they are working with.
Safe and Well Referral Cards
Some new ‘Safe and Well Referral Cards’ were launched which aim to increase referrals from organisations and individuals to TWFRS, for those most at risk of fire. These are credit-card sized, plastic, cards which highlight the main fire risk factors and how to make a referral for a Safe and Well Check. If a person has three or more risk factors identified on the card, professionals or individuals are invited to scan the QR code, or access the website, to request a visit from TWFRS Prevention and Education Delivery Team.
If your organisation would like to issue these cards to front-line staff, please get in touch at safeguarding@twfire.gov.uk with details on how many you would like.
Fire risk factors
| Age | Smoke Alarm Status | Behaviours | Vulnerabilities |
|---|---|---|---|
| Occupiers over 65 | No working smoke alarms fitted | Smoking | Lives alone |
| Smokes where sleeps | Restricted mobility | ||
| Clutter/hoarding above Level 4 | Immobile | ||
| Previous fires/burn marks | Sensory impairments | ||
| Alcohol and substance misuse | |||
| Emollients and paraffin-based creams | |||