Community Fire Safety Joanne Henderson Sprinkler/Mental Health Advocate

MFRS Community Fire Safety Introduction of themed Advocates OAP Advocate x 4 Disability/Mental Health x 3 Drug & Alcohol x 3 Migration x 2 Bi-Lingual x 4 District x 5 Deaf x 2 Supervisory x 3 Carer Trainer x 1 Firefighters began fitting smoke detectors in peoples homes in Merseyside over 10 years ago which has lead to approximately 700,000 home fire safety checks being completed. From this CFS was born in 2000 due to the identification of vulnerable clients in relation to fire. Advocates came along in 2004.

MFRS Community Fire Safety

Vulnerable People Mobility Drugs Alcohol Medical Problems Fire-Loading Careless Smoking Poor cooking practices Electrics Inappropriate heating methods Victims of Hate Crime

Our Tool Kit Appropriate fire safety advice Provide and fit smoke alarms Fire retardant throws Bedding packs Deep fat fryers Aprons Extension leads/Remote power down sockets Metal bins Deaf Alarms Benefits Checks Signposting to partner Agencies

Mental Health in Merseyside District Population diagnosed Mental Health Total Population Proportion of Total Population Knowsley 5190 150,800 3.4% Liverpool 16740 434,900 3.8% Sefton 6460 275,100 2.3% St Helens 4860 177,500 2.7% Wirral 8450 309,500 Total 41700 1,347,800 3.1% Source: Office for National Statistics (Nov 2008)

Breakdown of fire deaths 2007 to 2009 Those with significant mental health condition 36% Those with no significant medical condition 43% . Significant should be taken to mean being a significant contributory factor either to the cause of fire or to the occupiers inability to escape from the fire. Significant health issues Poor mobility Respiratory conditions Visual or auditory impairment Significant mental health issues General conditions identified Depression schizophrenia Those with mental health conditions – This is a relatively new high risk group. Mental health has been an aspect of other Hi risk groups before now ( i.e. elderly or drug and alcohol abuse) but now it is presenting as a separate group in itself due to the rise in the number of deaths where this was the main “lifestyle” issue contributing to the fire/fire death. Key BVPI – deaths resulting from accidental dwelling fires (as per BVPI 143ii) All Fatalities meets the criteria of NI49b (all fire fatalities) 2004/2005 BVPI Deaths 12 All Fatalities 20 2005/2006 BVPI Deaths 13 All Fatalities 27 2006/2007 BVPI Deaths 8 All Fatalities 14 2007/2008 BVPI Deaths 9 All Fatalities 20 2008/2009 BVPI Deaths 7 All Fatalities 13 The distinction between BVPI 143ii and NI49b can be conveyed by considering fire deaths which were identified as suicides. These would in the past not be counted as fire deaths because the fire was not accidental. Similarly deaths due to arson did not previously show up in the BVPI as this was once again an intentional fire. Another category would be one where the main cause of death was not an injury directly caused by the fire eg a person who falls from a window whilst trying to escape from a fire. They would not have been recorded as a fire death in the past but now they could be. Recent fire related suicides in Merseyside Kurdish woman Self immolation in her own kitchen White female Self immolation in public park White male cut wrists and set fire to own house Mental health- Person suffering long term depression, not taking prescribed medication and abusing alcohol. Person living alone not coping with maintaining self or home and suffering mental confusion- using candles as main light source. Those with other significant medical condition 21%

Suppression Systems within Merseyside We have been installing Suppression systems since 2005 and the following has been installed: 80 full systems 51 stand alones Liverpool & St Helens Districts have received funding from; Area Based Grant Working renewal fund Neighbourhood renewal fund

Development of Suppression Systems used in Merseyside We have been installing stand alone and full suppression systems in Merseyside for 5 years which have been fit for purpose but they now need developing.

Partnerships Partnerships are the key to identifying the most vulnerable. For example; P.C.T Social Services Care Agencies Police Councils Housing Associations (RSL’s)

Barriers to overcome Data Sharing Engagement Not knowing the vulnerable person exists Fearful to change New advice not taken seriously Scared to open doors and visits may be missed Embarrassed due to poor housekeeping Permission from landlords for installation and maintenance of equipment Data sharing – data protection Engagement – making sure we keep contact as they could refuse equipment at any time. Wet rooms - rehoused

Case Study Female with mental health problems and a careless smoker. Has had numerous burns to herself, her bedding and furniture. Lives in area of deprivation and is often a victim of anti social behaviour from local youths. Son has a low level learning disability who drinks heavily, uses drugs and regularly has a lot of anti social friends visiting the property. High fire loading. Husband is a carer but works away. No access to a phone.

To make Merseyside a Safer, Stronger, Healthier Community The Vision To make Merseyside a Safer, Stronger, Healthier Community