Fire Safety

Stay safe - Fire Safety in your home

Living in a communal block doesn't mean you are any more at risk from fire, but it does mean that you need to consider your own fire safety and how a fire in your home could impact on other residents in your block.

It is important for your own safety to understand what to do in the event of a fire, whether it's in your flat or somewhere else in the building.

If there is a fire or smoke in your flat:

• If there is a fire in your home – get out, stay out and call 999 – don’t try to tackle the fire yourself, and never go back into a burning building.
• Try and remain calm but act quickly – alert everyone in your home and get out by your nearest exit, staying together where possible.
• Seconds count so don’t waste time rescuing valuables.
• Before opening a door, check it first by using the back of your hand. If it’s warm, don’t open it.
• When moving through your home, remember to shut doors behind you to help contain the fire.
• Always use the stairs to get out of the building.
• Once you’ve escaped, don’t go back inside your home. Wait for the fire and rescue service, and give them as much information as you can.

If there is a fire in another part of the building:

It will normally be safest for you to stay in your flat.

But, if you do feel unsafe or your flat is affected by heat or smoke, then get out and call the fire service by dialling 999. If a member of the fire service tells you to leave the building, you should do so immediately.

If you are cut off by fire:

• If your escape route is blocked by fire or smoke, stay inside the safest room with a window that opens and ring 999.
• Keep the door closed and use towels or bedding at the bottom of the door to block the smoke.
• If smoke starts to come into the room – keep low to the floor as this is where the air is cleaner.
• If you are trapped, go to the balcony or window so that you can be seen - but don't jump.
• Wait to be rescued by a firefighter.

Fire safety in your home

• You should have at least one smoke detector installed. If not contact us and we will fit one free of charge.
• Test your smoke alarm once a week.
• Keep door and window keys accessible.
• Keep your doorways and hallways free from clutter.
• Close all doors at night, especially the doors to the lounge and kitchen, to prevent fire spreading
• Your front door is a fire door - it keeps you and your neighbours safe. Never prop it open or remove the metal arm or chain which closes it.
• Make an escape plan so that you and your family know what to do if there is a fire in your flat
• Never leave cooking unattended and don't start cooking if you are very tired or are under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
• Maintain electrical goods and ensure you turn off appliances not intended to remain an for long periods, such as irons or hair straighteners.
• Don't overload plug sockets or extension leads.
• If you smoke, make sure you put cigarettes out properly and don't smoke in bed or while drowsy.
• Take care with candles. Never leave one unattended and use a proper heat resistant holder on a stable surface away from draughts and flammable materials such as curtains.
• Do not carry out any unauthorised DIY jobs or alterations to your home.
• Allow access for our staff to your home, as required under the Building Safety Act and Fire Safety Act.
• Report anything you see that could pose a danger to fire or building structural safety, such as damaged or broken fire detection systems or sprinklers.
• If you have a balcony, keep this free of combustible items and never light barbeques or patio heaters with solid or liquid fuels on balconies.

Fire safety in your block

• Keep all landings, corridors and doorways clear of obstructions, including rubbish
• Never wedge communal doors open.
• Don't keep things in your home or communal areas that burn easily. This includes bottled gas, paraffin heaters or liquid fuel.
• Never block emergency access to your building. Park considerately so emergency vehicles can get as close as possible.
• Get to know your neighbours. They may be young, elderly or vulnerable, and need help during an emergency.
• Do not block bin chutes with large bags of rubbish, empty little and often, and use the larger waste bins for recycling outside your block if you have them.
• If you have an accessible cupboard next to your flat entrance door, Keep combustible items like furniture, boxes, books and cushions away from sources of ignition, like electric fuse boxes, and always keep the door locked shut.
• Be mindful of security and close your communal entrance door behind you to prevent unauthorised people accessing your block.