Mobility difficulties

When we visit we will fit free smoke alarms and offer advice to make you and your family safer at home.

Complete our online request form, call our community safety helpline on 08000 325999 or email community.safety@oxfordshire.gov.uk to request a visit.

Smoke alarms

• Make sure you have working smoke alarms.
• If it is difficult to test your alarm ask somebody to do it for you.
• You can also get easy access alarms, which can be tested from the wall rather than the ceiling. The Disabled Living Foundation can provide more information on these products.

Planning an escape route

• When planning your escape think of all possible escape routes in case there’s a fire. And what you could do if you are unable to escape due to mobility difficulties.
• It is a good idea to practise an escape so you feel confident you could do it day or night.
• Keep a phone in your bedroom in case you need to make an emergency call. If it’s a mobile, keep it charged.
• Make sure exits are kept clear and well lit and keep keys where you can find them in a hurry.

In the event of a fire

• Don’t tackle the fire yourself. If you can, get out, stay out and call 999.
  • If you can’t dial 999 yourself get a neighbour to do it for you.
• If you can’t get out stay in a room with a shut door, window and phone, ideally at the front of the house.
  • Put bedding round the bottom of the door to block out the smoke, then open the window and call “Help Fire”. Keep a whistle handy if it’s hard to shout.
• If you can, close internal doors at night. This will help prevent a fire from spreading.
• Make sure you have easy access to any mobility aids you need, such as a walking stick.

If you have a specific fire safety question or concern, call our community safety helpline on 08000 325999 or email community.safety@oxfordshire.gov.uk.