Act now: how to prevent a potentially lethal fire in your care home

When the government revealed the latest statistics on care home fires in 2024, it was good news – relatively.

The data showed a drop in the number of fires where fire and rescue service were needed in 2023/4, but it was a slight one, down to 485 from 498 the year before. Still too many, and a factor that care home owners and managers will take very much to heart.

Looking after some of the most vulnerable people in society is a huge responsibility, and our Bison Assist care home customer tell us that fire is one of their worst nightmares.

That’s why in March, when UK Care Week takes place, we’re taking the opportunity to remind everyone in charge of a care home of any sort that the best way to protect residents, staff and visitors from fires is not to have any fires in the first place.

And that’s where risk assessment comes in.

Chris Hickman, CEO of Bison Assist, says: “Keeping your risk assessments up to date once a year is a legal responsibility for anyone running a care home or workplace, of course, but they’re also the best way to get an annual reality check and protect the people who matter the most – those who spend time on your premises.

Discover more about fire risk assessments

“Risk assessments cover everything from fire risk to Legionella, disability access and health & safety, and are also an important part of making sure you’re up the standards that the CQC requires.

“Legislation changes all the time, and it can be a headache for busy business owners to keep up to date with what they need to do to comply fully. So our Bison Assist risk assessors add the professional approach by keeping up to date with all the changes in the law so you don’t have to.”

And risk advice is not just a once-a-year thing. Chris says: “Our Bisons make an annual visit to check your premises, and it’s a great opportunity to spot any potential problems and sort them out before nasty incidents can happen.

“In our reports, we make recommendations to our clients for any necessary improvements, then help them to tackle any changes they need to make. And we continue to support you throughout the year, with a Bison available on the phone to provide help and guidance any time you have a query or issue.”

Fire Protection Association Principal Consultant, Dale Kinnersley says the 2024 figures on fires in care homes show a welcome downward trend: “However, we at the FPA feel there is still more that can be done to improve the fire safety of these buildings.

“Care home residents are often vulnerable and the impact of a fire on their health and well-being can be severe, even when a successful building evacuation takes place.”

Make sure your care home is playing its part, and pouring cold water on the very idea of fires: book a Bison visit today and get all your risk assessments up to date.

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