A message from Claire Monk, Live Safe Manager, Essex County Fire and Rescue Service
As someone who has worked helping the communities for many years, I know just how powerful local knowledge can be when it comes to keeping people safe. You know your community. You notice when something feels off. That’s why I’m reaching out to parish councils and community members to ask for your help.
At Essex County Fire and Rescue Service, we’re encouraging everyone, especially those working or volunteering in the community, to keep an eye out for residents who might be struggling. A rundown or neglected property isn’t always just a sign of disrepair, it can be a sign that someone inside is at risk and may need support.
Here are a few things to look out for:
- Homes with poor maintenance—overgrown gardens, broken windows, smoke-stained curtains
- Signs of hoarding—such as cluttered windows or blocked access points
- Elderly or disabled residents living alone
- People who smoke at home
These small signs can be clues that someone is vulnerable or isolated, and that’s where we can step in. A simple referral for a free Home Safety Visit can make a world of difference. During these visits, our team can fit smoke alarms, offer fire safety advice, help with escape plans, and even link residents up with other services who can offer additional support.
Referring someone is easy, you can do it through our Online Home Fire Safety Check at www.essex-fire.gov.uk/online, or speak to the person yourself and encourage them to get in touch if you feel it’s appropriate.
As my colleague Andrea MacAlister, our Head of Prevention, puts it:
“The fire service carries a trusted brand. People open their doors to us, they listen, and they value our advice. That trust gives us a rare opportunity to reach those who may be isolated or overlooked by other services. A simple Home Safety Visit could save their life.”
Thank you for everything you do in your communities. Please keep looking out for one another, and don’t hesitate to reach out to us if you think someone could use a little extra support.