There are many factors that can affect a person’s ability to respond and escape if there’s a fire:
- Reduced mobility due to a physical disability, age-related problems or a long-term illness. Click here for our downloadable advice leaflet Mobility Aided.
- Escape routes are not kept clear, or are blocked – hoarding disorder may be a factor.
- Mental health conditions that affect decision-making, such a dementia or learning difficulties
- A history of alcohol dependency or drug misuse
- Hearing or sight impairments
If you or the person you care for has mobility difficulties, consider fitting an intercom which will allow you to alert someone else in the house in the event of an emergency.
If it is difficult for you to test the smoke alarm, ask someone to do it for you. You can get easy access alarms, which can be tested from the wall rather than the ceiling.
If you know or work directly with anyone who has any combination of the above risk factors, please encourage them to arrange a free Home Fire Safety visit.