How older people are unknowingly causing fire safety issues

Poorly considered additions to older people’s living environments can turn buildings into ‘potential deathtraps’, according to former Scot Guards Fire Service professional Brian Gregory.

The experienced fire fighter, who now runs Safety Management (UK), is particularly concerned that safety is overlooked when items such as welcome mats, chairs and various decorations are placed at the front of properties in order to welcome and impress visitors.

He comments: “It may seem harmless enough and we can completely understand people wanting to make the place more homely.

“But this can create a real fire hazard. Communal areas, such as landings and hallways, are particularly vulnerable and can create a very serious risk. A fire breaking out here could block the only escape route, if the building has just one staircase, as many do.

“Obviously, there’s a need to take a commonsense approach and we know some landlords do turn a ‘blind eye’ to doormats. However, our advice is to have nothing which could catch fire in any communal areas or outside flats.”

Only this summer the Leeds-based East North East Homes had to ban doormats from a block of flats for this very reason, but Mr Gregory remains concerned that not all providers are being as vigilant.

He continues: “Doormats may seem perfectly safe, but they are combustible to someone who has possibly gained entry to the building determined to start a fire.

“Also doormats then tend to encourage other residents to ‘keep up with the Joneses’. So a comfy chair might appear outside a flat, then plastic flowers or a table with magazines on it. Sometimes there are even net curtains, which represent a major hazard as they burn so easily.

“Elderly people in particular like to sit outside their flat and perhaps chat to anyone who might be passing by. But, while it may seem innocuous enough, it’s unfortunately turning the building into a potential deathtrap.

“Our advice is zero tolerance to anything combustible in any communal areas. But we understand the concerns and encourage residents to put the mat just inside their flat.”

Care providers who wish to become more conscious of fire safety might wish to consider the recently-announced Fire Sprinkler International 2014, a three day event held in London on May, 20–22.

Organisers Alan Brinson, EFSN, and Stewart Kidd, BAFSA, issued this joint statement about the event: “We anticipate an audience which will exceed 300 delegates at what promises to be the biggest sprinkler event mounted outside the USA. Each year sees the arrival of new technologies, new standards and new building codes. To help you stay at the forefront of these changes we have gathered an outstanding collection of speakers, individuals who are shaping the future of the sprinkler industry.”