Preventing fires and floods
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Fire is one of the biggest risks when it comes to safety in the home, and indoor flooding can also cause a great deal of damage and stress. There are things you can do to make sure the risk is minimised in your relative’s home.
On this page you can find information relating to reducing the risk of fire and water damage in the home.
1. Fire safety
2. Flood safety
3. Access to important facilities
Fire safety
Most Fire and Rescue departments in the UK offer free Home Fire Safety Checks; your relative may also be eligible to have free smoke alarms fitted in their home. Contact their local fire department for further information.
In the meantime, there are many quick and easy things you can do that could make a real and immediate difference to fire safety.
Ensure there are smoke detectors around the home, and that they are in good working order. Read more about smoke alarms in Which? product reviews for home improvements. It is recommended that there is one smoke detector on every level of the home.
Help your loved one to draw up a plan of what they would do in the event of a fire.
It’s always a good idea to have a phone beside the bed in case of emergency.
If someone has a hearing impairment, particularly if they need to wear a hearing aid, then consider smoke detectors with a visual alert and/or a vibrating pad that sits under the pillow (in case of an incident during the night).
Some smoke, heat and gas detectors can be connected directly to a call centre, providing additional support and help in the event of a fire or other emergency.
If your relative is feeling particularly vulnerable, due to poor mobility or other health problems, discuss this with the local fire service or an occupational therapist, who can offer specific advice on what to do in the event of a fire.
Flood safety
Left unattended, a bathtub or sink can quickly overflow.
Ensure that your relative knows where to find the mains water stop tap – and how to use it.
Check to see that the tap is easily accessible, and is neither blocked nor obstructed.
There are a number of devices specifically designed to prevent baths (or sinks) overflowing, or to sound an early warning alarm if this happens.
Read more about bath plugs and other memory aids in Which? product reviews for staying independent at home.
Access to important facilities
Ensure that your relative can access and easily reach the mains water stop tap, fuse box, electric and gas meters, together with the isolator switch for the cooker. If this is not possible, consider having them moved, or involve someone else who you can brief – a neighbour, for example.
Displays on all the facilities should also be clear and easy to read. Prepayment meters should be in good working order and simple to operate.
Moving, adapting, replacing or installing any of these facilities should only be done by a qualified professional, such as a plumber for the water meter and an electrician for the fuse box. You or the person you're helping should never attempt to undertake these tasks yourself.
Read more about hiring a trader on Which? Trusted Trader: another free service from Which?.
More information
Choosing and buying home care products: explains what products are available to help.
Assistive technology for older people: find out more about other devices that can help around the home.
Personal alarms for older people: personal alarms can help people who live alone to feel safer and more secure.
Page last reviewed: November 2016
Next review due: April 2019