FIRE SAFETY FOR OLDER ADULTS: EXPERT TIPS FROM LONDON FIRE BRIGADE
Fire safety is crucial for older adults living independently. Factors such as reduced mobility, sensory impairments or medical conditions can present unique safety risks for your loved one. That’s why it’s important to take proactive steps to reduce the chance of a fire starting—and ensure that a safe escape is possible if one does.
In this guide, we share advice from Darren Long of the London Fire Brigade and include fire safety checks that you can carry out around your loved one’s home, along with practical fire-prevention tips.
Why is fire safety so important for older adults?
Older individuals are statistically at higher risk of serious injury or death from a fire in the home. Common challenges that increase this risk include:
- limited mobility, which can make it harder to escape
- memory loss or confusion, which can increase the risk of leaving appliances on
- hearing loss, which may prevent someone from hearing a smoke alarm
- use of oxygen or medical equipment, which can be flammable.
General fire safety tips and checks for older adults
Here are essential fire safety tips for common risks around your loved one’s home such as in the kitchen, from electrical appliances and in the bedroom overnight.
Safety around the home
- working smoke alarms should be installed on every floor of the home
- alarms and detectors should be tested weekly
- door keys should be kept within easy reach, especially at night
- carbon monoxide detectors should be fitted
- escape routes and hallways should be clear and clutter freeyour loved one should have a clear plan for how to exit the home in an emergency.
Kitchen fire safety
- cooking should never be left unattended
- tea towels, wooden spoons and other flammable items should be stored away from the hob
- grills or ovens should not be used for drying clothes or storing pans
- consider safety switches for ovens if your loved one is experiencing cognitive decline.
Heater & electrical safety
- portable heaters should be kept at least one metre from flammable items
- they shouldn’t be used for drying clothes
- heaters and electrical items should be unplugged overnight
- flat extension leads should be used instead of block adapters
- sockets shouldn’t be overloaded, and extension cables shouldn’t be “daisy-chained” (when one extension cable is plugged into another).
Bedroom safety
- devices shouldn’t be charged overnight, especially near bedding
- all non-essential devices should be unplugged before bed
- electric blankets should be stored safely and checked regularly for damage
- hot water bottles and electric blankets should never be used together
- cigarettes and candles should be fully extinguished before sleep.
Family member's checklist for general fire safety
If you’re supporting an older loved one, performing regular fire safety checks can make a significant difference. Use this checklist to spot and fix common risks.
✅ Are smoke alarms fitted and working on every floor?
✅ Are carbon monoxide detectors fitted and working?
✅ Is the escape route clear and clutter free?
✅ Are extension leads being overloaded?
✅ Are portable heaters positioned safely and unplugged when not in use?
✅ Are electric blankets stored properly and in good condition?
✅ Is there an unobstructed exit path from the bedroom?
✅ Are cigarettes and candles being extinguished properly?
✅ Are any appliances being left on or charging overnight?
✅ Are keys accessible in case of emergency?
✅ Has a home fire safety visit been arranged with the local fire service?
These regular checks—especially if done monthly—can dramatically reduce the risk of fire and improve safety in the home for your loved one.
Fire safety equipment for older adults
Alarms and detectors are essentials around the home for keeping your loved one safe. Specially adapted devices are available if, for example, your loved one has hearing loss.
Smoke and heat alarms
- fit smoke alarms in hallways, bedrooms and stairwells
- fit heat alarms in the kitchen instead of smoke detectors
- test alarms weekly and replace batteries annually (if not hardwired).
Alarms for hearing impairments
Specialist devices are essential if your loved one has hearing loss. Smoke alarms are available with flashing lights and vibration pads that can be placed under the pillow.
Carbon monoxide detectors
- fit near boilers and gas appliances
- check regularly and replace according to manufacturer’s instructions.
Note: Fire extinguishers and fire blankets are no longer recommended for domestic use unless the resident is trained and confident using them.
Fire safety at night: how to prepare
Nighttime is when most fatal house fires occur. Ensure your loved one is familiar with these bedtime safety tips.
- unplug devices and heaters
- keep a phone nearby, fully charged
- have an accessible torch or nightlight
- close bedroom and internal doors to slow fire spread
- know how to exit or call for help in case of emergency.
What to do in the event of a fire
Ensure your loved one is confident with what they should do if a fire were to break out. Here are the steps they should follow:
- leave the room immediately, closing doors behind you
- do not attempt to extinguish the fire
- call 999 from outside or from a safe location
- if trapped, close the door, block smoke gaps and open a window for fresh air.
Arrange a free fire safety assessment
To help reduce the risk of fire in your loved one’s home, you can request a free Home Fire Safety Visit from the London Fire Brigade. As part of the visit, they can fit smoke alarms, identify fire risks and add your loved one’s needs to their database.
Call 0800 028 4428 to book an appointment. A carer or family member can be present during the visit.
Need extra support for your loved one?
At Comfort Care At Home, we understand the importance of safety for older individuals. Our professional carers can help with daily routines, monitor home environments and provide reassurance to family members.
If you’re concerned about your loved one’s safety at home, contact our care team to arrange a no-obligation care consultation and to understand how we can support them to live safely and independently at home.
