Examining the effectiveness and economic benefits of home fire safety visits

Home safety visits form an important part of fire prevention strategies adopted by fire and rescue services. However, to date, limited research focus has been directed toward examining whether this prevention activity is effective in achieving the aim of reducing accidental dwelling fires (ADFs) or the social and economic value of this. Accordingly, focusing on one region of England (Merseyside), the following study adopts outcome evaluation and cost-benefit analysis approaches to examine (i) the impact of home safety visits on ADFs, injuries, and fire containment and (ii) the cost-effectiveness of home safety visits. Data was sourced from Merseyside Fire and Rescue Service, the UK Home Office, and a systematic search of existing economic models. Findings of the outcome evaluation highlight that ADFs are significantly less likely to occur in properties that receive a home safety visit. Increasing the number of home safety visits conducted is also associated with a significant reduction in ADFs. Results of cost-benefit analysis highlight that every £1 invested in home safety visits results in a saving of £2.75 from reductions in ADFs, injuries, and fatalities. Overall, findings indicate that home safety visits are both an effective and cost-effective form of fire prevention. Findings pose important implications for informing fire sector discussions regarding the resourcing of prevention and the development of frameworks to demonstrate efficiency and effectiveness.