Fire safety
activation risks distress to residents, disruption to care routines, and a risk of injury while undergoing an evacuation. Over time, repeated alarms can cause alarm fatigue and can undermine staff confidence in the system, a dangerous outcome in a genuine emergency. Modern fire panels therefore incorporate
sophisticated false-alarm management strategies. Using a combination of alarm verification
and investigation delay technology, false alarm systems allow trained staff time to assess and acknowledge an activation before the system goes into full alarm mode. In a care home setting, this is particularly valuable in high-activity zones, such as kitchen and treatment areas, where harmless triggers are more likely. Virtual ‘building areas’, operating
independently of detection zones, enable tailored programming delay and verification to suit the specific layout and daily routines of the care home. And in certain settings, an optional button can be installed to give authorised personnel the ability to acknowledge an alarm before evacuation is triggered, reducing unnecessary disruption while maintaining safety and compliance.
Remote monitoring Another defining feature of modern care home fire systems is remote monitoring. Modern fire safety strategies are increasingly focused on prevention, insight, and control, all of which are made easier through real- time visibility. Cloud-based platforms now allow system status to be viewed in real time by multiple stakeholders, offering a smart, secure platform for remote fire system monitoring and control and enabling
facilities teams to access a real-time view of their fire system from anywhere using a laptop, tablet, or smartphone. From a central dashboard, users can
monitor live status, receive instant alerts to any activations or faults, and track detailed device history to support predictive maintenance. Senior managers overseeing multiple sites can review alarm trends and compliance data remotely. Named user logs help build accountability across the team, while live views in list or map format enable faster responses and more informed decisions, reducing the cost and disruption of unplanned site visits. This level of oversight transforms how
fire safety is managed on a day-to-day basis. Rather than discovering issues only during periodic inspections, faults can be addressed as soon as they arise. Repeated false-alarm sources can be analysed and rectified. Missed weekly tests or overdue servicing can be flagged automatically. In the context of compliance, this
continuous visibility is becoming increasingly important. Inspectors now expect evidence not only that systems are installed, but that they are actively monitored, correctly maintained, and reliably operable. Remote monitoring platforms provide an auditable trail that demonstrates this level of control. For care home operators, this also reduces
operational risk. Senior leaders can be alerted to critical system issues even when off-site, ensuring that responsibility does not rest solely with on-duty staff who may already be managing multiple care pressures.
Tightening regulation Recent enforcement actions show a shift in how fire-safety failures in care homes are
viewed. Failings are increasingly viewed through a lens of risk rather than technical non-compliance. Alongside sprinkler legislation, the introduction of the updated fire-alarm standard BS 5839-1:2025 has raised technical expectations across all non- domestic buildings. For care homes, this means greater scrutiny of detection coverage, faster fault-reporting requirements, stricter guidance on obstructions and airflows, and renewed emphasis on accurate, current alarm-zone plans. The Fire Industry Association (FIA) has
offered practical steps for duty holders to comply with the new standard. This includes confirming that all fire safety documentation is up to date, including logbooks, cause-and- effect descriptions, and zone plans, as well as reviewing false alarm procedures and investigating and recording every unwanted alarm with corrective measures taken where necessary. Plus, verifying that remote monitoring arrangements meet the updated performance and timing requirements, particularly in residential care and supported housing. In addition, checking that service intervals are every six months and that all inspections are properly documented. Regular maintenance remains a central expectation under BS 5839-1:2025 and the Fire Safety Order. Weekly testing of alarm call points, system servicing, and accurate record- keeping are essential not only for compliance but for operational assurance. The latest advances, in remote monitoring
and false alarm technology can help with all these measures offering an accessible log, clear zones, and up-to-date service records and monitoring, as well as recording false alarm incidents.
Fire risk assessment Alongside technological advances, the fire risk assessment remains the anchor point for legal compliance. Under the Fire Safety Order, the Responsible Person – typically the owner or manager – must carry out a suitable or sufficient assessment and keep it up to date. In a care home environment, the assessment must be bespoke. It must account not only for the physical buildings but the changing nature of care needs. Residents’ mobility levels change, dependency increases, room uses shift, new equipment is added, and staffing patterns evolve. Each of these changes can alter evacuation times and detection requirements. Personal Emergency Evacuation
Plans (PEEPs) must be in place for all residents who may need assistance
February 2026
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