Partner referrals for Safe and Well checks
Partner referrals for Safe and Well checks help West Midlands Fire Service protect vulnerable people, reduce fire risks, and improve home safety.
Why partner referrals matter
Who can be a partner?
- adult social care staff
- social workers
- occupational therapists
- domiciliary and home support providers
- healthcare professionals
- community nursing teams
- housing providers
- mental health and dementia services
- hoarding or self-neglect services
- smoking cessation teams
- drug and alcohol services
- public service professionals
Benefits of partnering with WMFS
By partnering with WMFS, you’ll join a trusted organisation that works across the seven local authority areas to protect vulnerable people. We use an evidence-based approach to:
- target those most at risk
- influence policies and practices through collaboration
- ensure safety in homes through education and prevention.
Together, we can create safer communities.
Do I need consent to refer?
Whenever possible, it’s best to gain consent before making a referral. However, if the fire risk is significant and you cannot obtain consent, please proceed with the referral.
WMFS operates under a ‘public task’ and the ‘public interest’*.
However, partners need to consider their reason for referring without consent. For example, if the risk is significant. We can’t make forced entry into domestic properties under non-emergency situations, but we can engage with other partners/agencies to help us gain access to the property if needed.
* Information shared with us, allows us to exercise our function as a fire and rescue authority as outlined in Section 6 and Section 11 of the Fire and Rescue Services Act 2004.
Criteria for referrals
Common risk factors
Smoking is one of the leading causes of injuries and deaths from house fires. The risks are particularly high when smoking habits or unsafe practices are present, such as:
- burns on carpets, furniture, bedding, or clothing
- evidence of smoking in bed
- carelessly discarded cigarettes, matches, or lighters
- overflowing ashtrays
- matches or lighters left within the reach of children.
People who smoke should be encouraged to adopt safer habits. For more advice, visit our smoking safety advice page.
People who misuse drugs or alcohol may be at higher risk of fire due to impaired decision-making and slower reaction times. Risks can arise when:
- smoking under the influence of alcohol or drugs
- leaving cooking unattended
- being unable to respond quickly and safely in the event of a fire.
Drug and alcohol dependency can also increase the likelihood of behaviours that inadvertently put the household or others at risk.
Mild mental health conditions may not significantly increase the risk of fire. However, more serious conditions, especially those requiring medication or linked to substance misuse, can create vulnerabilities, such as:
- impaired decision-making abilities
- increased likelihood of smoking or alcohol misuse
- fire-setting behaviours in some cases.
A Safe and Well check can help mitigate these risks by providing tailored advice and support.
Hoarding can significantly increase the fire risk within a property. Risks include:
- increased fire load, which makes fires more intense and difficult to control
- blocked exit routes, preventing safe evacuation during a fire
- hazardous or flammable items stored near ignition sources, such as cookers or heaters.
The National Clutter Rating Scale can help professionals assess and describe the severity of hoarding when making a referral.
People with learning disabilities may be at increased risk of fire due to:
- difficulty understanding or retaining fire safety advice
- challenges responding to fire alarms and evacuating safely
- vulnerability to exploitation by others who engage in risky behaviours, such as smoking or fire-setting in their home.
Specialist equipment, such as linked smoke detectors, may help mitigate these risks.
Electrical fires are a common cause of house fires, particularly when appliances are used incorrectly or are faulty. Risks include:
- damaged or overloaded electrical sockets
- flammable items, such as clothing or newspapers, placed too close to appliances
- use of faulty or non-compliant electrical chargers or devices.
People should always use the correct chargers for their devices and ensure electrical equipment is in good condition.
Paraffin-based emollient creams, commonly used for skin conditions like eczema or psoriasis, can soak into clothing, bedding, and dressings, making them highly flammable. Risks include:
- increased likelihood of ignition when exposed to naked flames, such as cigarettes or gas cookers.
People using emollient creams should be advised to avoid open flames and wash fabrics regularly to reduce the build-up of residue.
Medical oxygen significantly increases the risk of fire due to:
- oxygen-rich environments in clothing and furnishings, which can cause fires to spread rapidly
- the potential for oxygen cylinders to explode if exposed to heat during a fire.
This risk is particularly high for people who smoke while using medical oxygen. WMFS strongly recommends a Safe and Well check for anyone with medical oxygen in their home.
Working smoke detectors don’t prevent fires but provide vital early warning, giving people the best chance to escape safely. Risks are higher in homes without:
- a working smoke detector on each level of the property
- additional detectors suited to the specific needs of the occupant, such as vibrating alarms for people who are deaf or visually impaired.
More information on smoke alarms is available on our smoke alarms safety advice page.
People with physical impairments or limited mobility may struggle to escape safely in the event of a fire. Risks include:
- reduced ability to respond quickly or navigate the home during an emergency
- increased likelihood of accidents from activities like smoking or cooking, due to reduced dexterity.
For individuals who are bed-bound or bariatric, evacuation may not be possible. A Safe and Well check can help identify suitable fire safety adaptations.
Dementia can create significant fire risks as the condition progresses. Specific concerns include:
- leaving cooking unattended or placing unsuitable items in cookers or microwaves
- inability to recognise or respond to the sound of a smoke detector
- confusion about their surroundings, making safe evacuation challenging.
Regular reviews of care plans can help identify and mitigate risks as the condition develops.
Inappropriate use of portable heaters or proximity to open fires (gas, electric, or solid fuel) can lead to injuries and fires. Risks include:
- placing combustible materials, such as clothing, too close to heaters
- lack of fire guards to protect against contact with flames or hot surfaces.
More advice on fire safety can be found on our chimneys and open fires safety advice page.
Sensory impairments, such as hearing or visual impairments, may delay detection of or response to a fire. Risks include:
- inability to hear standard smoke alarms
- challenges navigating to exits due to visual impairments.
Specialist smoke alarms, including flashing strobes and vibrating pads, can help mitigate these risks. WMFS provides these alarms free of charge during Safe and Well checks where appropriate.
Pressure-relieving mattresses and overlays used for people with reduced mobility can pose fire risks if:
- the mattress is punctured, causing the pump to increase airflow and fuel a fire
- the pump overheats or the backup battery discharges compressed air during a fire.
Regular maintenance and checks can help reduce these risks.
Incontinence pads, often used by older people or those with limited mobility, are highly flammable. This increases the risk of injury or death during a fire.
People who live alone may face increased fire risks, particularly if they have:
- mobility issues or sensory impairments
- a combination of other risk factors, such as smoking or hoarding.
Regular support and fire safety checks can help reduce these risks.
How to make a referral
To refer someone for a Safe and Well check:
- Complete the referral form linked in this section
- Select the option for partners, professionals, or carers referring on behalf of someone else.
Bespoke referral pathways
Partner training
WMFS offers training for partners and teams on:
- identifying fire risks in the home
- making Safe and Well referrals
- addressing hoarding and disorganised living
Training sessions for these subjects are conducted together, in sessions of 45-60 minutes.
To request training for your organisation, please complete the form in this section.
Frequently asked questions about Safe and Well checks
Search, or browse our Safe and Well FAQs
Search
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.