Fire Safety

How you can help reduce fire risk

Fire safety is vital – three-quarters of fire-related deaths happen at home, with older people and children most at risk. That’s why we take it seriously, and you should too.

All our homes have mains-powered smoke and carbon monoxide detectors with 10-year lithium batteries, checked annually during your heating service. It’s your responsibility to test them regularly (we suggest weekly) and report any issues.

If your alarm keeps sounding or beeps intermittently, it may need a battery change or repair. Contact our repairs team if you’re unsure.

Fire Safety Checklist

Use this checklist to help keep your home and household safe from fire.

Do…

  • Test your smoke and carbon monoxide alarms regularly
  • Keep escape routes clear and make sure everyone knows the plan
  • Check appliances are in good working order and serviced when needed
  • Store matches and lighters safely, out of reach of children
  • Keep fire doors closed – never prop them open
  • Contact us if a fire door has been damaged in any way.
  • Make sure cigarettes are fully extinguished – never smoke in bed
  • Park responsibly and keep access roads clear for emergency services
  • Store and charge Electric Scooters, Electric Bikes and Mobility Scooters according to the manufacturer’s guidance. See below for further information.

Don’t…

  • Don’t block stairwells, landings or corridors in communal areas
  • Mobility scooters, Electric Scooters and Electric Bikes must not be stored in communal areas or on balconies
  • Don’t leave electrical items plugged in and on standby. Unplug items when not in use
  • Don’t overload multi-socket adaptors
  • Never leave pans of fat or oil unattended while cooking
  • Don’t use portable paraffin heaters – they’re a serious fire risk. If you are struggling to heat your home, please contact us, we’re here to help
  • Don’t leave children alone at home

What to do in the event of a fire

If a fire occurs in your flat/apartment or house:

  • Raise the alarm and call 999 immediately
  • Get everyone out safely – don’t try to tackle the fire yourself
  • Close all doors behind you to help slow the spread of fire and smoke
  • Crawl low to the ground if there’s smoke – the air is cleaner near the floor
  • Don’t stop to collect valuables or pets

If the fire is elsewhere is in your building:

  • Call 999 and follow the advice of the fire service
  • Stay inside your flat with the doors and windows closed unless your home is affected by fire or smoke.

Fire doors in communal areas

Your flat entrance door is a fire door. It’s designed to protect you for a period of time in the event of a fire. Communal fire doors in corridors and stairwells are just as important. They help contain fire and smoke, giving everyone more time to stay safe or evacuate if needed.

If you notice any damage to fire doors, or if they’re not closing properly, report it to us straight away. These doors are a vital part of your building’s fire safety.

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