Fire alarms and security for care homes
Fire detection, monitoring, emergency lighting and door access for care homes, nursing homes and supported living, designed around residents who need help to escape.
Fire and security for care homes and supported living
In a care home, many residents cannot leave on their own when an alarm sounds. Staff rely on the fire alarm to tell them exactly where a fire is, fast, so they can move residents away from danger. The system has to give early warning without constant false alarms that wear down staff and disturb residents.
What makes care homes and supported living different
What we usually install
Addressable fire alarms. Usually Category L1, with smoke or multi-sensor detection in bedrooms, clear zone plans and a monitored connection to an alarm receiving centre.
Emergency lighting. Escape routes, stairs and open areas lit for evacuation, with monthly and annual tests recorded.
Access control. Keypad or fob entry to keep vulnerable residents safe, linked to the fire alarm so doors release in an emergency.
CCTV. Entrances, car parks and grounds, designed with privacy in mind and kept out of private areas.
Fire extinguishers. Supplied and serviced annually, matched to kitchens, laundries and plant rooms.
Standards and responsibilities
Care homes are covered by the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005, and the CQC expects providers to show their fire safety equipment is maintained. Fire alarms should be designed and serviced to BS 5839-1. The 2025 edition treats having no remote monitoring in residential care premises as an unacceptable variation.
Your fire risk assessment and evacuation strategy should drive the design. We work with your fire risk assessor so the alarm, door releases and emergency lighting support the way your staff actually evacuate.
How we work
For organisations with several buildings we offer a single maintenance contract covering every site, and we work across Yorkshire, Lancashire and Greater Manchester, the North East and the East Midlands.
Common questions
What category of fire alarm does a care home need?
Most care homes need a Category L1 system, with automatic detection throughout. The exact design should follow your fire risk assessment and evacuation strategy.
Does a care home fire alarm need to be monitored?
Yes. BS 5839-1:2025 treats the lack of remote monitoring in residential care premises as an unacceptable variation, so the system should signal to an alarm receiving centre.
Can door access control work with the fire alarm?
Yes. We link access-controlled doors to the fire alarm so they release automatically when the alarm activates.
How do you reduce false alarms in a care home?
We use multi-sensor detectors in the right places, review the logbook at every service and investigate repeated false alarms to find the cause.
Can you work around residents?
Yes. We plan installation and servicing with your manager to keep disruption and noise to a minimum.