1. Community Fire Safety Joanne Henderson Sprinkler/Mental Health Advocate

2. 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.

3. MFRS Community Fire Safety

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

5. 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

6. 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)

7. 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/ BVPI Deaths All Fatalities 20
2005/ BVPI Deaths All Fatalities 27
2006/ BVPI Deaths All Fatalities 14
2007/ BVPI Deaths All Fatalities 20
2008/ BVPI Deaths 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%

8. 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

9. 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.

10. 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)

11. 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

12. 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.

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