Verifying it’s us visiting you

We do much more than respond to emergencies. We regularly visit homes, businesses, and local communities to provide fire safety advice, carry out inspections, and support people who may be at greater risk from fire. 

We understand that if someone visits your home or business claiming to be from the fire service, you want to feel confident they are genuine. This page explains why we may visit you, what you can expect from us, and how you can check that it’s really us. 

There are several reasons why we may visit you or your premises, including: 

• Carrying out a free Home Fire Safety Visit  
• Providing fire safety advice and guidance  
• Visiting after a fire in your local area  
• Carrying out a fire safety inspection  
• Supporting vulnerable members of the community  

Whenever we visit, our focus is on helping you stay safe and reducing the risk of fire. 

If we visit your home to carry out a Home Fire Safety Visit, we want you to feel safe, reassured, and comfortable speaking with us. 

Home Fire Safety Visits are free and designed to help you reduce the risk of fire in your home. During the visit, we may give practical fire safety advice, talk to you about escape plans, and discuss ways to help keep you and the people you live with safe. 

When one of our team visits you, they will: 

• Clearly explain who they are and why they are visiting  
• Carry official Hampshire and Isle of Wight Fire and Rescue Service identification  
• Wear fire service uniform  
• Never ask you for payment or offer paid work  
• Usually arrive in a fire service vehicle where possible  

If you are ever unsure about someone claiming to be from the fire service, you should always ask to see identification before letting them into your home. 

We completely understand if you want to check who someone is before speaking with them.

We also carry out fire safety inspections at business premises and other non-domestic buildings. 

If one of our fire safety inspectors visits your premises, they will: 

• Carry official photo identification  
• Explain the purpose of the inspection  
• Be happy to answer your questions  
• Explain their powers under fire safety legislation if needed  

Unfortunately, some people may pretend to represent trusted organisations. If something doesn’t feel right, trust your instincts. 

You should never feel pressured to let someone into your home or business if you are unsure who they are. 

A genuine member of Hampshire and Isle of Wight Fire and Rescue Service will always understand if you want to check their identification before speaking with them. 

Your safety and peace of mind are important to us.