Fire safety for partially sighted people

If you, a family member, or someone you care for is blind or has sight difficulties - here’s some practical fire safety advice to consider.

Tips to stay safe

  • Put a coloured sticker on your smoke alarm to help you see it to test it.
  • Consider fitting bump-ons (also known as plastic blisters) to appliances as a way of making sure they are switched off properly.
  • Consider asking a qualified electrician to check your electrical appliances and leads for wear and tear once a year.
  • If any electrical appliances are giving off a burning smell, turn them off and unplug them immediately.
  • You may also want to consider placing a tactile indicator along your escape route to make it easier to find the exit.

If you live in rented accommodation see our safety advice for tenants.

Plan an escape route

  • Think about all possible escape routes in case there is a fire.
  • It is a good idea to practise an escape so that you feel confident you could do it with different levels of light such as at night.
  • Keep a phone in the bedroom in case you need to make an emergency call. If it’s a mobile, keep it charged.
  • Make sure all exits and escape routes are kept clear taking into consideration any mobility aids that you use.
  • Keep keys where you can find them in case you need them in a hurry, preferably near to your door.
  • The best route is the normal way in and out of your home.
  • Make sure you know how your house or personal alarm works, including any passwords or codes.
  • If you have a key safe outside your property or an access code to the property, it is a good idea to tell the emergency services when calling us in an emergency.

What to do if there is 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, go into a room that has a window and a phone and shut the door.
  • Put blankets or towels around 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.

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