FIRE PREVENTION AND SAFEGUARDING TOOLKIT

House fires are an unthinkable tragedy, with devastating consequences for individuals, families and communities. For practitioners working with children, young people and vulnerable adults, having the right knowledge and resources can make a real difference in reducing risk and keeping people safe.

The East Riding Safeguarding Children Partnership (ERSCP) have brought together a set of clear, practical and easy-to-access resources to support practitioners with fire prevention and safeguarding in the home. These materials are designed to help you spot risks early, have informed conversations with families, and share the right advice at the right time.

Practical guidance you can use straight away

ERSCP recommend the Fire Prevention Toolkit, which offers straightforward safety guidance and practitioner-friendly resources that can be shared with families:

• Clear advice on reducing fire risks in the home
• Guidance that supports safeguarding conversations
• Short, accessible learning materials for busy practitioners

Fire Prevention Toolkit – resources and bite-sized training modules: https://www.firepreventiontoolkit.org.uk/bitesized-training-modules

Free training to build confidence and awareness

Alongside practical guidance, there are two free short courses that can help practitioners feel more confident in identifying fire risks and giving appropriate advice:

Fire Prevention Toolkit – Bite-Sized Training

Short modules designed to fit around your work, helping you recognise common risks and understand preventative steps. https://www.firepreventiontoolkit.org.uk/bitesized-training-modules

 
Virtual College – Fire Prevention and Safeguarding

A free online course focusing on the link between fire safety and safeguarding, particularly for those working with children and families. https://www.virtual-college.co.uk/free-courses/fire-prevention-and-safeguarding-training-course

Why this matters

Many house fires are preventable. By improving awareness, spotting risks early, and sharing simple safety messages, practitioners play a crucial role in protecting families and reducing harm. These resources are practical, accessible, and designed to support real-world conversations.

We strongly encourage practitioners across the VCSE sector and partner organisations to make use of these tools and training, and to share them within your teams and networks where appropriate.

Small actions and informed advice can save lives.