Long term health condition
Having a long-term health condition brings its own challenges, which is why it’s important to reduce risks in the home and help to make your home a safer space. Not only does this provide peace of mind for you, it is reassuring for your loved ones too.
One way to help do this it to request a free Kent Fire and Rescue Service Safe and Well Visit from one of our friendly Safe and Well officers or firefighters, who will be able to help you with safety in your home.
As well as requesting a Safe and Well visit, there are also lots of things you can do yourself. Why not take a look at the helpful information and advice below.
Clutter free
Did you know too much clutter can be confusing and lead to trips and falls? Check how to keep things clear and uncluttered by taking a look at our Clutter Free page.
Lighting
Is your home well lit? Good lighting helps you get around more easily and can make you feel safer.
If you use oxygen
Remember to always keep it well away from any naked flame, including all forms of smoking and e-cigarettes, gas and electric cookers.
Skin (emollient) creams
Because emollient creams contain ingredients that can catch fire or help a fire to spread when soaked into fabrics, it is important to use them safely. Learn how to do this on our Emollient Safety page.
Incontinence pads
These pads can be highly flammable. If you smoke please take extra care and consider obtaining a small fire-resistant blanket to place over the lap when smoking.
Kitchen safety
The kitchen is the heart of the home, but did you know it’s also the place where a fire is most likely to start? Make your kitchen a safer space with our easy-to-follow kitchen safety page.
Electrical safety
From making sure you’re not overloading your sockets and registering your appliances, to checking electrical cables and using electric blankets safely, see our Electrical safety pages.
Fires and heating safety
There are lots of things to be aware of when it comes to heating, whether it’s solid fuel, gas or electric. Learn more on our dedicated pages.
Smoking
Things to remember if you smoke
Smoke alarms and other types of alarm can save your life
Learn more about smoke alarms and carbon monoxide alarms.
Telecare systems: this is a smoke alarm provided by a telecare provider, which is linked through a lifeline service. When the alarm sounds due to fire or smoke, the signal goes straight through to the telecare provider, who will then alert the emergency services. This helps to reduce the risk for the person if they are unable to react to an alarm. Other types of alarm can also be run through this system, such as carbon monoxide and gas detectors. As part of our Safe and Well Visit we can also help with a referral to a falls prevention service if appropriate.
There are also specialist alarms available for those deaf or hard of hearing, which include a bright flashing strobe light by the bedside and a vibrating pad under the pillow to alert people to danger at night when they do not have their hearing aids in. If smoke is detected, the alarm will sound and set off the pad to assist in waking them.
Escape plan
Do you have one? Learn more.on our Escape plans page
Candles
Candlelight is beautiful but it can pose a serious fire risk – check how to use candles safely
What to do if there’s a fire in your home
Know what to do by following fire service advice. needs to link new ‘what to do if there’s a fire in your home’ section
Nightime safety routine
These simple nightime safety checks can help to give you extra peace of mind at bedtime.
If there is a fire in your home
Get out, stay out and call 999. Never investigate or tackle a fire yourself. Contacts to link to main contacts page