Fire safety: time for an overhaul

In care homes, the commitment to providing comprehensive care extends to every aspect of a resident's wellbeing, including meticulous planning from the initial design phase through to construction, with a particular emphasis on fire safety. The ultimate goal is to ensure that residents lead joyful, healthy, meaningful, and safe lives.

However, recent statistics underscore the urgent need for enhanced fire safety measures in care facilities. A fire safety audit conducted by the London Fire Brigade in 2019 revealed alarming deficiencies in 177 care homes, highlighting the pressing need for immediate action. Shockingly, nearly half of these homes lacked adequate fire risk assessments, with assessors often lacking the necessary expertise, according to the Fire Protection Association.

There are many challenges found in care homes in the event of a fire and the consequences of fire in care homes can be significant, with potential human costs due to vulnerable residents being slower to react or evacuate. We need stricter regulations, better building materials, and a complete overhaul of fire safety measures in care homes. The lives of the most vulnerable individuals are at risk, and prompt action is needed to address these critical shortcomings.