A residential home in Faversham, which cares for adults with mixed disabilities, has been able to save money and implement simple yet effective changes thanks to the building safety team at Kent Fire and Rescue Service (KFRS).

Following a regulatory inspection, staff at Lady Dane Farmhouse were informed that they had too many fire blankets and were getting their fire panels serviced too often, so now with the correct advice they can prevent overspending on this in the future, whilst still putting the safety of the residents first.

Claire Dante, the registered manager at the home, then attended a safer care seminar held by KFRS, where she picked up some key tips and came up with her own ideas to help keep her residents and staff even safer.

She said: “The information that was shared really resonated with me, there was a lot about the regulations, but it also touched on the personal side.

“I couldn't sleep that night. And then from what I learnt, we started to make changes immediately the next day. I had always been so focused on making sure the staff were prepared, that I forgot about how much the residents can do for themselves.”

Claire held two fire safety workshops for the residents where they established if they could recognise a smoke alarm, what it meant and what they should do in an emergency.

This was then put into practice as an unannounced fire drill was held for staff and residents.

Claire added: “I wanted to see if the residents had retained the information that we went through. And they did! We were so proud of them.

“They are now doing the same exercise every Tuesday when we have a fire alarm test, just to keep that process fresh in their minds.

“It's empowering the residents to take ownership and responsibility.”

Other changes that have been made around the care home include having easy read picture instructions for residents on the back of their bedroom doors showing what to do if the smoke alarm sounds as well as on the lift to show that it shouldn’t be used in a fire. This has been designed for some of the residents who are unable read and need much clearer instructions.

There is also an agreement with KFRS, that in the event of an emergency crews would use the sirens on the fire engines but not the lights as some of the residents have epilepsy and this could be a trigger.

Ruby, Building Fire Safety Advisor at KFRS, said: “It feels nice seeing what they took from the safer care seminar and putting it into practice.

“It's little things that they're implementing, that really everyone can do and only takes a little bit of time, but it's something that will stay in place for the rest of the time.”

Kirsty, Building Fire Safety Manager at KFRS, added: “With the seminar, you give out messages and you talk about legislation and guidance, and just seeing how it's impacted and the measures they’re putting in place, it shows that we’re making a difference to the community of Kent and keeping our customers safe.”

If you’re interested in attending a Building Safety seminar, click here.