Fire Safety and Emergency Preparedness Audit - Care Homes

Q1 | Unanswered

Is there a current fire safety and emergency preparedness approach that is understood by staff and reflects the people living in the home, the building and current risks?

Q2 | Unanswered

Has a suitable fire risk assessment been completed by a competent person, reviewed when circumstances change and followed through with clear actions?

Q3 | Unanswered

Are fire exits, escape routes, corridors, stairs and assembly arrangements clearly identified, accessible and free from obstruction at all times?

Q4 | Unanswered

Are personal emergency evacuation plans current for every person, based on their mobility, communication, cognition, equipment and support needs?

Q5 | Unanswered

Do staff understand each person's evacuation needs and how to preserve dignity, reassurance and safety during an emergency?

Q6 | Unanswered

Are fire drills completed regularly across day, night, weekend, agency and reduced-staffing scenarios, with learning used to improve readiness?

Q7 | Unanswered

Are fire alarms, emergency lighting, detection systems, extinguishers, fire doors and other safety systems tested, serviced and maintained to schedule?

Q8 | Unanswered

Are fire doors fitted, closing effectively and managed safely, with no inappropriate wedging or obstruction?

Q9 | Unanswered

Are staff trained and competent in raising the alarm, evacuation, progressive horizontal evacuation, compartmentation, emergency communication and when not to tackle a fire?

Q10 | Unanswered

Are new, agency, bank and temporary staff given clear fire safety induction, local procedures and role-specific emergency information before working unsupervised?

Q11 | Unanswered

Are people, visitors and contractors given accessible information about what to do during a fire or emergency?

Q12 | Unanswered

Are evacuation aids, mobility equipment, emergency lighting, first aid, communication tools and other emergency resources accessible, checked and ready to use?

Q13 | Unanswered

Are oxygen, medical gases, smoking, vaping, candles, personal electrical items, cooking, laundry and other service-specific fire risks assessed and controlled proportionately?

Q14 | Unanswered

Are kitchen, laundry, plant, storage and waste areas managed to reduce fire risk, including equipment maintenance, lint control, storage and housekeeping?

Q15 | Unanswered

Is there a practical continuity plan for relocation, shelter, temporary accommodation, communication and essential care if the home cannot be occupied?

Q16 | Unanswered

Are emergency contacts for staff, families, emergency services, partner agencies, contractors and alternative accommodation current and accessible?

Q17 | Unanswered

Are fire incidents, false alarms, drill findings, faults and near misses recorded, investigated and used to prevent recurrence?

Q18 | Unanswered

Are serious incidents, fire risks and significant failures escalated promptly to leaders, emergency services, the Care Inspectorate and other agencies where required?

Q19 | Unanswered

Do leaders review fire safety assurance, staff confidence, evacuation readiness and action-plan progress through governance at suitable intervals?

Q20 | Unanswered

Can the service demonstrate that it is prepared to protect people, staff and visitors through safe, dignified and effective fire and emergency arrangements?