A Care Home in Walthamstow, London Caught Fire but Quick Actions Saved the Residents

A Fire broke out at a Care Home in Walthamstow, London but quick-thinking Staff safely evacuated eight residents before the London Fire Brigade arrived!

Staffs at the Care Home have been praised by London Fire Brigade for their quick actions following the Fire in the early hours of the morning. 

They were alerted by the building’s Fire Alarm system and so evacuated immediately. A first-floor bedroom was destroyed by the Fire. 

A London Fire Brigade spokesperson said: “The quick thinking by Care Home Staff helped residents to leave the building and directed crews to the site of the Fire, which meant crews were able to stop the Fire from spreading any further and residents left as early as possible."  

One may presume that the Staff had been well trained in their Care Home’s Fire Safety Evacuation procedure or more commonly known as the Fire Safety Emergency Plan as they instantly seemed to know what to do in a time of emergency. Having Staff trained in Fire Safety is of paramount importance particularly when responsible for vulnerable persons.  

The identified ‘Responsible Person’ for Care Homes should have up to date records of Staff Fire Safety Training.

If this is not kept up to date it could have grave consequences. London Fire Risk Assessments, Fire Marshal Training is designed to reflect the needs of specific environments and can be carried out on site to avoid disruption to the day to day running of a Care Home. It is advisable for the ‘Responsible Person’ to check their training records and if needs be book a Fire Safety Training session as soon as possible.

Typical places for Residential Care include those where care is provided for: the elderly or infirm, Children and Young persons, people with special needs such as those with learning difficulties or with mental or physical disabilities and other dependent people including those with addictions.

Healthcare Premises would include Hospitals, Hospices, Doctors’ Surgeries, Clinics, Treatment and “Drop In” Centres, Dentists and Premises offering general Health Care, Treatments and procedures.

All the above require a Fire Safety Risk Assessment carried out by a competent Fire Safety Risk Assessor.

Where do find a qualified Fire Safety Risk Assessor?  

The Institution of Fire Engineers is one of the best places.They are responsible for ensuring all the Assessors on their ‘Approved Register’ have proved competency in Fire Safety and can do the job! All you do is enter your postcode and a list of Approved Assessors will come up in your area. 

Taking a chance on a general internet search may cause more confusion than necessary as there are so many London Fire Protection Services promoting ‘deals,’ ‘fix prices’ all kinds of offers that may take the emphasis away from whether or not they are qualified!

London Fire Risk Assessments is an independent Fire Safety Consultancy based in London, they are qualified with the Institution of Fire Engineer and their advice is that Care Home owners should ensure that before appointing a Fire Risk Assessor check out what is included in their Fire Risk Assessment package. A ‘suitable and sufficient’ Fire Risk Assessment is required by the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 for all Care Homes – it’s the law. 

A Fire Safety Inspection/Audit by a competent person

Fire Safety Risk Assessment

Fire Safety Management Plan – Significant Findings

Fire Safety Policy 

Fire Safety Emergency Plan

If you have to pay extra for any of the above ‘parts’ then it may be wise to look elsewhere!

If you are the identified ‘Responsible Person’ and feel unsure about whether or not your Staff need Fire Safety Training or you are not sure if you need an up to date Fire Safety Risk Assessment for your premise – call London Fire Risk Assessments they have a friendly team on hand and their advice is unbiased and free! Call now on 01689 890879.

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