Safe and Well Booklet
File format: .pdf
File type: .pdf
Description
This booklet, which often accompanies our Safe and Well visits, contains a wealth of information on keeping your home, family and yourself safe.
Guidance for professionals and carers
Guidance for professionals and carers responsible for the care and wellbeing of members of our community.
This guidance is for professionals and carers who work with people with care and support needs, helping them live safely and independently in their homes.
West Midlands Fire Service (WMFS) has developed training packages, resources, and advice to support those working with vulnerable members of our community. Evidence from Safeguarding Adult Reviews (SARs) highlights that people with care needs are often at increased risk of fire, and these risks are not always recognised or shared with fire and rescue services.
To reduce this risk, fire safety should be included in initial care assessments, ongoing reviews, and care plans. Collaboration under the Care Act 2014 ensures individuals can live safely at home for as long as possible.
How WMFS supports professionals and carers
Our guidance aims to:
- identify risks and vulnerabilities linked to fire
- integrate fire safety into care plans
- support referrals to WMFS for Safe and Well checks
- provide workforce training to identify and mitigate fire risks
We also work with carers and professionals to help individuals in sheltered housing, extra care housing, and similar schemes remain safe.
Want to become a partner with us? Find out more about partner referrals and how we make it simple and easy to refer multiple customers or service users to us by visiting our dedicated page.
Discover how you can partner with us
Why fire safety matters for carers and professionals
Data shows that people receiving care and support are more likely to experience severe injury or death in accidental dwelling fires. Serious Incident Reviews (SIRs) have found that incorporating fire safety into care plans, and reviewing this regularly, can save lives.
It’s essential that fire safety considerations are integral to any care plan, both initially and ongoing – with a responsibility to monitor and review changes in circumstances that may affect that risk. Those involved in care provision should be trained, and aware of, the best ways to reduce risk – including referring to us, if needed.
WMFS provides guidance for those involved in care, including:
- commissioners
- adult social care staff
- social workers
- occupational therapists
- domiciliary and home support workers
- community nursing teams
- unpaid carers supporting family or friends
Workforce training
Professionals and carers can reduce fire risks by understanding:
- who is at risk of accidental fires
- how behaviours, health, and environment contribute to fire risks
- how to carry out fire risk assessments
- how to refer service users to WMFS for Safe and Well checks
- how to include fire safety recommendations in care plans
- what resources are available to mitigate risks.
We recommend agencies incorporate these objectives into their training programmes. WMFS also provides an e-learning package for those in care roles. Currently, the course is under review, but when available, a link will be provided here.
Fire risk assessment and care planning
WMFS recognises the diverse ways agencies assess care needs. This guidance applies to:
- care assessments and reviews under the Care Act 2014
- continuing healthcare assessments
- domiciliary care planning
- hospital discharge planning
- occupational therapy assessments
When to refer for a Safe and Well check
If fire risks are identified during an assessment, professionals should refer the individual for a Safe and Well check with their consent. Even if they do not meet the threshold for care, a referral is essential if risks are present, such as:
- no working smoke alarms
- unsafe behaviours like smoking in bed
- use of paraffin-based creams or medical oxygen
- physical impairments limiting mobility
You can refer for a Safe and Well check for an individual using the button below.
Frequent referrers can become a referral partner with us. This gives you a unique referral number for easy tracking and communication. To find out the benefits of partnering with us, and how to sign up, visit our Partner referrals for Safe and Well checks service or click the button below.
Frequently asked questions about Safe and Well checks
We're asked lots of questions about our Safe and Well checks, by members of the public, and our partners. You'll find the answers to the most common questions below. You can search, or browse through yourself.
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Yes, we collaborate with housing providers to assess fire risks, particularly for residents in sheltered housing or extra care schemes.
We recommend including fire risk assessments in letting processes for individuals with care needs.
To find out more about how we work with partners, visit our Partners referrals page.
If you miss your appointment, contact our Bookings Team as soon as possible on 0800 389 5525 to rearrange your visit.
Yes, WMFS offers training for professionals and carers on identifying fire risks and making referrals for Safe and Well checks.
We also provide guidance on specific topics like hoarding and disorganised living.
To book our fire risk presentation training, complete the form below. Alternatively, for bespoke training or further questions, email us at prevention.queries@wmfs.net
Landlords are required to install at least one smoke alarm on each floor of a rented property where at least one room is used as living accommodation (subject to certain exclusions). This has been a requirement since October 2015 for private lets and since October 2022 for social lets.
Landlords must make sure the smoke alarm is working when first installed and at the start of each new tenancy. Once a tenancy has started, it’s usually the tenants who are responsible for testing the alarm.
If an alarm stops working, tenants are advised to replace the batteries. If a smoke alarm is faulty, they should inform their landlord who is required to repair or replace it “as soon as practicable”.
If your landlord hasn’t done this, you can report the issue to your local council, or contact Citizens Advice for guidance.
You can still book a Safe and Well check with us to receive fire safety advice and guidance on staying safe.
Safe and Well checks are aimed at people who are more vulnerable to fire risks. This may include individuals who:
- have limited mobility or physical impairments
- live alone or hoard items
- smoke or use medical oxygen
- have sensory impairments or memory issues.
If you’re unsure, complete the Safelincs online check or contact our team for guidance.
Consent is preferable when referring someone for a Safe and Well check. However, if the individual is at significant risk and cannot give consent, WMFS can still act in the public interest.
Contact us on 0800 389 5525 for advice on these situations.
During a Safe and Well check, we assess risks in your home and provide tailored advice on fire safety, road safety, and overall well-being.
Depending on the risks identified, we may recommend resources, fit safety equipment, or refer you to partner organisations for further support.
The Safelincs online home fire safety check is a free tool designed to help you identify fire risks in your home. It guides you room by room, offering personalised advice and creating a fire safety action plan.
If further support is needed, you can securely share your details with WMFS for a follow-up Safe and Well check.
Yes, professionals, carers, or concerned individuals can refer someone else for a Safe and Well check. You’ll need to provide details about the person, their address, risks and vulnerabilities. If the person is eligible, our team will arrange a visit.
Visits can be arranged through a third-party, such as a close friend or family member, if appropriate.
To refer someone, use our Safe and Well referral form or call us on 0800 389 5525 for assistance.
We may recommend a variety of resources to help reduce fire risks during a Safe and Well check. Examples include:
- hearing-impaired smoke detectors: for individuals with hearing difficulties or other impairments
- linked smoke detectors: for people with limited mobility, high fire risk, or those who hoard
- fire-retardant bedding: for people who smoke in bed
- fire-retardant throws, rugs, and aprons: for individuals who smoke in armchairs or on sofas
- metal bucket with damp sand: for the safe disposal of cigarettes
- community alarm system-linked smoke detectors: for people with complex needs or mobility limitations
- letterbox protectors: for homes at risk of arson or domestic abuse
- heat detectors or cooker safety devices: for individuals with memory issues, sight impairments, or high fire risks from cooking
- mattress toppers: a safer alternative to electric blankets
- fire guards: to protect against open fires or heaters.
This list isn’t exhaustive. There are many products and adaptations available to suit specific needs.
Yes, the occupier must be present during an in-person Safe and Well check. This ensures our advice is tailored to how the household lives and that we can assess any risks specific to the property and its occupants.
All WMFS staff that will attend your home, business premises or other property will almost always be in uniform and will ALWAYS carry a photo identification card.
Visits such as Safe and Well checks (residential) or Safe and Strong visits (commercial) will be by pre-booked appointment only.
Sometimes, unannounced visits may be needed if required under our statutory fire safety duties. Typically, these are to commercial, business or multiple occupancy properties. You should still ask to see the photo ID of the person to verify they work for us.
If you are ever in doubt about the identity of a person claiming to work for WMFS, please call 03300 589 000 and we can verify who they are. If for any reason you’re not able to do this, or feel in any way unsafe, do not hesitate to contact the police.
Safe and Well checks are completed by on-duty firefighters. They may arrive in a fire engine or other fire service vehicle.
Please be aware: Our crews may need to leave suddenly during your appointment if they have to attend an emergency. We apologise if this does happen, but if it does, we’ll rearrange your visit.
All WMFS staff will be in uniform and carry identification, which they will show before entering your home.
If you prefer, you can provide a password to our Bookings Team for added security. Call us on 0800 389 5525 to arrange this.
The Safelincs online assessment takes about 15 minutes.
A telephone Safe and Well check takes roughly 15 minutes.
A face-to-face Safe and Well check usually takes 20–40 minutes, depending on the risks identified.
As our on-duty firefighters carry out these checks, they may need to attend an emergency during your appointment. If this happens, we’ll contact you to reschedule.
We may provide smoke detectors during a Safe and Well check, but this depends on the risks identified in the property.
If you rent your home, it is your landlord’s legal responsibility to ensure smoke detectors and carbon monoxide alarms are installed under the Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Alarm (England) Regulations 2022. For more information, visit the Gov.UK website.
A Safe and Well check helps to reduce fire risks in the home and promote safety on the roads. During the visit, we may:
- offer fire and road safety advice
- recommend or install equipment
- signpost to partner services for additional support.
The check is free and tailored to help households stay as safe as possible from fires and other emergencies.
Find out more on our Safe and Well page.
Other useful information
real_estate_agent
Housing providers and fire safety
Housing providers should include fire risk assessments in their letting processes, particularly for:
- individuals requiring property adaptations
- residents in sheltered housing or extra care schemes.
WMFS recommends linking smoke detectors to assistive technology systems, especially for individuals with complex needs.
smoking_rooms
Behavioural risk assessments
Risky activities, such as smoking, may require detailed behavioural assessments. Assessments should explore:
- the person’s perception of the activity’s benefits
- identified risks and hazards
- plans to monitor and reduce risks, with clear roles and responsibilities.
psychology
Mental capacity considerations
Consent is required for Safe and Well referrals. If a service user:
- lacks capacity: invite WMFS to multi-agency meetings to make best-interest decisions
- has capacity but refuses consent: document this decision. WMFS can still offer professional advice and guidance.
Contact us at 0800 389 5525 for advice in these situations.
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Information sharing
Whenever possible, we recommend service users and their referrers are present during Safe and Well checks. This ensures a coordinated approach to reducing fire risks.
If a service user refuses consent for information sharing, but their fire risk is significant, WMFS may share relevant details with the referring agency in the individual’s best interest.
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Resources
This guidance was developed following recommendations from Coventry Safeguarding Adults Board.
Agencies can develop case study-based training sessions using examples like the Miss G Case Study
Our Safe and Well booklet, typically handed out during in-person Safe and Well visits, also contains a range of information on staying safe.
You can download that in this section.
For more information or support, contact us at prevention.queries@wmfs.net.