Multi agency referral

Hampshire Fire and Rescue Service provide free home fire safety visits to those who are at risk from fire. The majority of fire deaths involve vulnerable adults.

Agencies should refer vulnerable adults for a home safety visit by a representative from the fire service, where they identify that a risk exists.

A vulnerable person is a person who is getting or may be in need of community care services by reason of mental or other disability, age or illness; and who is or may be unable to take care of or protect themselves against significant harm or exploitation.

During the visit from the Fire Service their home will be assessed for fire risk, with a view to fitting free smoke detector alarms if required. We will also discuss the putting together of a home escape plan and provide education advice to lower fire risk. The visit may require care staff to be present.

If you have concerns regarding fire safety in a domestic property, but are unsure if you should make a referral, the following check list will assist you.

Not sure who to refer for a home safety visit?

Does the occupier meet any of the criteria below?

Over 65 years of age.
The occupier has a physical disability which significantly affects their ability to move independently or are reliant on use of aids e.g. hoist, wheelchair.
The occupier has a physical frailty and/or variable levels of mobility.
The occupier has learning difficulties.
The occupier has a mental health problem where a risk of increased vulnerability has been assessed.
The occupier has any sensory impairment.
The occupier has any cognitive impairment where a risk of increased vulnerability has been assessed, such as dementia.
The occupier is known to be substance or alcohol dependant.
The occupier is taking prescribed medication with short or long term side effects affecting their cognitive function, mobility or level of consciousness.
The occupier is unable to protect themselves from harm.
The occupier is experiencing domestic abuse.
The person is returning from hospital and there are fire risk concerns identified (examples are provided at the end of this document).

If the answer is yes to any of the above the occupier is eligible for a free home safety visit and you should take the following actions:

Obtain the occupiers permission to refer to the fire service. (a refusal may need to be considered as a safeguarding issue).
Check you know the referral code for your agency (agencies can obtain referral codes from the Community Safety Department - 02380626809 email community.firesafety@hantsfire.gov.uk).
Complete a multi-agency referral form.

If the occupier is not eligible for a home safety visit there are still actions you can do to reduce the risk from fire – please refer to our tips on safety in the home.

Fire risk concerns that you may identify are:

There is evidence of burn marks on either bedding, furniture or carpets.
Electrical faults have been noted in the home?
There are unsafe practices with fire, cooking or heating?
There are large amounts of materials stored in the property (hoarding).
The occupier smokes.
No fire detection is present in the property.