The Development of the Residential Fire H.E.L.P. Tool Kit

Abstract

This article describes the development of the Fire H.E.L.P. tool kit for training selected Meals On Wheels (MOW) staff in Texas to implement a fire safety program for homebound older adults. We used a formative evaluation approach during the tool kit's development, testing, and initial implementation stages. The tool kit includes instructional curricula on how to implement Fire H.E.L.P., a home assessment tool to determine a residence's smoke alarm needs, and fire safety educational materials. During the tool kit's pilot test, MOW participants showed enhanced fire safety knowledge and high levels of confidence about applying their newfound training skills. After the pilot test, MOW staff used the tool kit to conduct local training sessions, provide fire safety education, and install smoke alarms in the homes of older adults. We believe the approach used to develop this tool kit can be applied to education efforts for other, related healthy home topics.

Preventive measures for fire-related injuries and their risk factors in residential buildings: a systematic review

“…Many studies looked at the behavior of residents in connection with escape planning and emergency exits and going to a safe place during fires. 2,17,37,40 Also, not smoking, especially in bed, 35 reduction of alcohol consumption, 40 use of protective equipment against smoke, 35 closing the doors and windows while sleeping to prevent the spread of smoke 17 as characteristics associated with the behavior of building occupants were examined in numerous studies.…”

“…Training in connection with fire safety (training in how to use a fire extinguisher and how to escape); 2,9,16,17,19,37 conducting an emergency evacuation program, 2,38 were mentioned in relation to fire safety training. Safety, training and public information campaigns and also creating campaigns for smoking and alcohol cessation, 30 practical implementation dealing with fires, 30 creating safety and prevention programs for target groups, 27 reinforcement of rescue training, 17 school education to educate children about the dangers in society, 35 were mentioned as preventive measures related to education in the studies.…”

“…18,29 Given that the weakness in the rescue and medical care also increases the likelihood of injury, upgrading fire rescue and first aid practices and medical care can be appropriate preventive measures in this regard. Lack of safety training in the community is one risk factor associated with fires and it is better to resolve the issue through fire safety training such as learning how to use an extinguisher 2,16,17,19,37 and emergency evacuation maneuver 2,38 for the target groups. The present study highlights the role of promoting safety education and raising awareness on the prevention of fires and injuries.…”

“…The roles of emergency exits and escape during fires in reducing injury and death were taken into account in most studies. 17,23,35,37,39 But in many LMICs, the importance of emergency exits has not been considered even in new constructions and high-rise building. In order to overcome this, it should be seriously considered as a problem even in most hospital.…”

Evacuation Solutions for Individuals with Functional Limitations in the Indoor Built Environment: A Scoping Review

“…Many of the rescuee training programs were tailored to fire safety. A full list of training programs can be found in Table 7 below [30,54,75,[108][109][110][111][112][113][114][115][116][117][118][119][120][121][122]. The term "N/A" (Not Applicable) was used to denote that there were no additional significant findings to highlight beyond the reported solution.…”