Fire, Smoke & Gas Safety for Older Adults and Carers

Reviewed by: Dr Jackie Gray, Public Health Expert and Retired GP
(Carents Trusted Reviewer Programme – Last reviewed July 2025)

Serious fire incidents are becoming increasingly rare but older people are more at risk from house fires, especially if mobility or hearing problems make escape difficult. Fire safety should always be a top priority.

If there’s a fire:

• Get out.

• Get the Fire Service out.

• Stay out.

• Dial 999.

Smoke alarms save lives.
They should be fitted on every floor and tested regularly.

• Dust and test monthly.

• Replace batteries yearly.

• Check that your loved one can hear the alarm.

If hearing is a problem, there are specialist alarms that flash or vibrate.

Most local fire services offer free home visits for older adults. These visits often include other safety advice, such as fall prevention or escape planning.

Gas Safety at Home for Carers and Older Adults

Poorly fitted or broken gas cookers or heaters can leak gas or produce deadly carbon monoxide. A regular gas safety check is essential.

Only use engineers listed on the Gas Safe Register. Always ask to see their ID card.

Did you know?
1 in 6 homes has a dangerous gas appliance.

Cadent Gas, the UK’s largest gas network, offers a helpful factsheet for carers. It covers cooker safety, gas leaks, and how to use the Gas Safe Register.

If you smell gas:

• Turn off the gas if safe.

• Open windows.

• Leave the property.

• Call 0800 111 999 immediately (day or night).

Many fire and gas companies offer free home safety visits for older adults. These visits are usually quick, friendly, and focus on prevention rather than inspection. A trained safety officer can check smoke alarms, identify risks, and even fit carbon monoxide detectors.

If you’re caring for someone at home, booking a visit can give real peace of mind. You can often arrange one through your local fire service or gas company website. They can also fit free locking cooker valves or smoke alarms if needed.

Locking cooker valves can help older people stay independent while keeping them safe. These valves let relatives, neighbours or carers control when gas is on or off. They are often provided and fitted free by your local gas company.

Any gas, oil, or coal appliance can produce carbon monoxide, a poisonous gas you can’t see or smell. It can make you seriously ill or even be fatal.

If you suspect carbon monoxide:

• Turn off appliances.

• Open the windows and leave immediately.

• Call 0800 111 999.

• Seek urgent medical help (call 111 or 999).

Older people, children, and anyone with heart or breathing problems are especially vulnerable.

How to stay safe:

• Know the signs: headache, tiredness, dizziness, or nausea.

• Get gas appliances checked once a year by a Gas Safe engineer.

• Fit a carbon monoxide alarm, they’re inexpensive and save lives.

Sometimes, problems build up slowly. You might notice yellow flames instead of blue on the cooker, condensation on windows, or a faint smell of gas. These are warning signs that a gas appliance may not be working properly.

If your loved one seems more tired, confused, or dizzy than usual, don’t dismiss it, carbon monoxide could be the cause. Open the windows, get everyone out, and call for help.

Keep an easy checklist on the fridge so anyone visiting can act quickly if something seems wrong.

Checklist for Visitors

Signs something might be wrong with a gas appliance:

• Flames that look yellow or orange, instead of steady blue

• More condensation than usual on windows

• A faint smell of gas

• Soot, staining or scorch marks around an appliance

Possible signs of carbon monoxide exposure:

• Feeling tired, dizzy or confused

• Headaches that come on suddenly

•  Feeling sick or short of breath for no clear reason

If you spot any of the above:

1. Open windows and doors to let fresh air in

2. Turn off the appliance if you can do so safely

3. Get everyone out of the home

4. Call for help – the Gas Emergency Service on 0800 111 999

5. Do not use the appliance again until it’s been checked by a Gas Safe engineer
   
   

It’s easy to forget checks when life is busy. A simple weekly routine can help:

• Test smoke and carbon monoxide alarms.

• Check that escape routes are clear.

• Make sure gas hobs and heaters are turned off properly.

• Note when the next annual safety check is due.

• Keep emergency numbers by every phone.

Small steps like these keep everyone safer and give you confidence that your loved one is protected.

Reviewed by Dr Jackie Gray, July 2025