Kent Fire & Rescue: Home Fire Safety Visits

January 23, 2026

Keeping Carers and the people they support safe at home is a top priority. That’s why Kent Fire & Rescue Service (KFRS) offers free Home Fire Safety Visits designed to identify risks, provide essential advice, and install vital safety equipment where needed.

What are Home Fire Safety Visits?

KFRS firefighters or “Safe and Well” officers visit homes to assess fire safety. Each visit involves:

  • Testing, fitting, or relocating smoke alarms
  • Advising on escape plans and household hazards (e.g., overloaded sockets, candle safety)
  • Sharing guidance tailored to your unique household needs

Most visits take around one hour and may also happen without an appointment during community patrols.

Who Qualifies for a Visit?

The service is free for residents in Kent and Medway who fall into at-risk categories, including:

  • Aged 70 or over
  • Living with dementia
  • Having a long-term health condition
  • With young children or who are pregnant
  • Smokers
  • Those at risk from isolation, domestic abuse or arson threats

What Happens During a Visit?

  1. Identify hazards like faulty wiring, old appliances, or blocked exits
  2. Ensure smoke alarms are up to date, installed on every floor, and in the right places
  3. Provide tailored advice, such as:
    • Escape planning (especially at night)
    • Safe cooking and candle use
    • Electrical safety checks
  4. Install specialist equipment, such as strobe alarms or vibrating pads for deaf or hard-of-hearing residents

How to Access the Service

  • Book a visit via KFRS’s referral form: Home fire safety visits
  • Call free: 0800 923 7000 (Mon–Fri, 9am–5pm)
  • Look out for door-knock visits during community patrols—officers will be in uniform, carry ID, and use marked vehicles

Why It Matters for Carers

  • Reduces stress by ensuring safe home environments
  • Helps prevent tragic and costly home fire incidents
  • Offers peace of mind, especially crucial for carers supporting vulnerable individuals

Take Action Today

There’s no charge or trouble to arranging a visit—and the benefits are profound. Carers Support East Kent encourages all carers and service users to take advantage. Please get in touch—or share this service with someone you care for—to create a safer home this year.