Empower your team
- Skill up in emergency evacuations and keep a log—because being prepared is half the battle won.
- If you’ll be using beds to make a quick exit - check they fit through doorways.
Drill the Skills
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Fire drills aren't just a routine, they're your rehearsal for safety. Get staff to step into residents' shoes and plan for the unexpected with minimal hands-on-deck.
Sprinkle safety everywhere
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A sprinkler system is your round-the-clock, in-house firefighter - silent but always ready.
Contain the flames
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Keep fire in check with solid compartmentation. It's like putting up invisible walls that fire can't cross—especially crucial in older buildings.
Plan for people
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Stay on top of Personal Emergency Evacuation Plans (PEEPs). As needs evolve, so should your plans.
Maintenance is key
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Regular checks on fire alarms, lights, doors, and extinguishers aren't just tick-box exercises, they're lifelines.
Special attention items
- Air mattresses and heat? Not a good mix. Keep them apart to avoid a burst of trouble.
- Oxygen kits need a smoke-free zone. No heat, no flames, no worries.
- Emollient creams are great for skin, not so much near flames. Use them wisely and keep things clean.
Mobility matters
Scooters need their own safe spot so they don’t get in the way in an emergency. Research by the National Fire Chiefs Council (NFCC) found that within three minutes of ignition, a mobility scooter can reach temperatures 375 degrees Celsius and rapidly fill a room with thick smoke. So, correct storage facilities for mobility scooters is key because they're more than just wheels—they're a responsibility.
Keep these pointers in mind, because you're not just running a care home, you're nurturing a safe haven.