Fire safety

Alarms and detectors

Smoke alarms save lives.

You are around 8 times more likely to die from a fire if you don’t have a working smoke alarm in your home.

Most smoke alarms fitted in council homes are mains powered and have a 10-year lithium backup battery. The battery is not replaceable, and a special tool is used to remove the smoke alarm cover.

Test that your smoke alarms work by pressing the button on them at least monthly. If you press the button and there is no sound, report it to us immediately.

If your smoke alarm goes off by mistake, do not take out the batteries. Just wait for it to stop. Many alarms have a hush button that can be pressed to temporarily silence an alarm.

If you hear a neighbour’s smoke alarm, do not ignore it but alert the resident. If they do not respond, call 999 and ask for the fire and rescue service.

If you live in a high-rise building, by law we must provide smoke alarms but you, the tenant, are personally responsible for making sure they continue to work while you are living there.

Further information on alarms and detectors can be found on the Humberside Fire and Rescue website.

If you do not have a smoke alarm or if your alarm has stopped working, report this to us through -

• 01482 300
• myHousing app

Bedtime checks

You’re more at risk from fire at night so it’s good to carry out a few quick and simple checks before you go to bed -

• make sure all inside doors are closed as this stops a fire from spreading
• turn off and unplug electrical appliances (unless of course they’re designed to be left on, such as your fridge or freezer)
• check your cooker is turned off
• do not run appliances overnight such as -
  • washing machines
  • tumble dryers
  • dishwashers
• do not charge items overnight such as -
  • phones
  • laptops
  • toys
  • e-bikes
  • e-scooters
• turn off and unplug your electric blanket before you get into bed
• never use an electric blanker and a hot water bottle together
• put out candles and cigarettes properly
• ensure your escape route is clear and free of obstructions should you need to evacuate
• keep door and window keys where everyone can find them