HOW CARE HOMES CAN MAKE COMPLIANCE EASY
Home is where we feel safe, but it is also the place where we’re most likely to die in a fire. For the older generation, the most recent government statistics are shocking.
In the 2014/15 government report, it was found that 41% of all fatalities from fires in England were 65 years old and over.
WHY ARE OLDER PEOPLE
MORE AT RISK? There are many factors that contribute to older people being at greater risk from fire. Many older people enjoy
good mental and physical health, but as we age, our bodies and minds inevitably change. There is greater risk of developing mental illnesses, as well as other physical health conditions.
SENSES As we age, some of our senses can start to deteriorate, which can affect awareness if there’s a fire. If you’re hearing is affected, you may not hear the alarm. If sense of smell is impaired, smoke can go unnoticed.
MENTAL VULNERABILITY Some of the most vulnerable people can have a slower reaction time to events such as a fire. As it progresses, conditions like dementia will cause confusion and forgetfulness, leading to ovens not being turned off, or cigarettes not being put out properly.
MOBILITY Impaired movement will hinder escape, and for someone who is bedridden, evacuation is clearly difficult.
COMMON FIRE HAZARDS
IN CARE HOMES In September 2015, the London Fire Brigade stated it was dealing with over 10 fires a week in care homes
and sheltered accommodation alone. One of the main hazards they found was fire doors wedged open. Wedging open a fire door is a serious risk to people and buildings, as it allows fire and smoke to spread.
With this in mind, the importance of fire doors becomes clear. But fire doors are heavy. They cause injuries for the less able-bodied and can make places difficult to move around in, so it’s easy to see why people wedge them open.
Fireco supplies simple and trusted solutions to the problem of wedged open fire doors, with wireless devices which are easy to fit and use. They listen for the sound of a fire alarm, and close the door if there is a fire.
SUMMERLANDS CARE
HOME SAVED LIVES Summerlands Care Home fitted Dorgard, a wireless device to hold open their fire doors safely. Elysia at the home said: “They’re a good fit for safety and access because of our client group. Our residents spend the majority of their day in the lounge and dining room, so keeping the doors open in these areas with Dorgards makes life much easier for them.”
On 10 March 2015, a fire unexpectedly broke out in the laundry room. As the home had precautions in place, the fire doors automatically closed when the alarm sounded. Elysia commented: “Dorgard proved invaluable as they were on the fire doors directly near to where the fire started. Our residents didn’t inhale any smoke when being evacuated, so no one was harmed.”
COMPLIANCE CAN BE EASY There are now more people in the UK over the age of 60 than there are under 18. With an ever-growing aging population, fire safety for older people has never been more important.
What simple checks can you make? Making sure exits are clear, fire doors aren’t wedged open, and evacuation plans and risk assessments are up to date. These help provide a safer environment, one that can save lives.
For more information on how Fireco can help your care home with compliance, visit
www.fireco.uk
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