Fire safety in your flat

Communal areas

Keep all communal areas including entrances, corridors, walkways and stairwells clear at all times.

Do not store -

• bikes
• prams
• scooters
• shoes
• plant pots
• door mats
• rubbish

This is a fire risk. We operate a sterile policy in communal areas. Items stored can stop you getting out and the emergency services getting in. Items will be removed, and you may be charged for this removal.

Do not use your own electrical equipment in communal areas.

Smoking is not permitted in communal areas.

If you have any bulky items that you need collecting, we provide a collection service which is free for up to 5 items in one collection every 12 months. You can request a bulky item collection.

If you find any items or rubbish in the communal areas, report to your Housing Facilities Operative or contact the High-Rise Team on -

• telephone - 01482 616 108
• email - HousingHighRiseTeam@hullcc.gov.uk

Communal service cupboards

Do not store any items in communal service cupboards these are for water and electrical services and should be kept locked and clear at all times.

If you notice a cupboard that has been damaged, opened or contains items, report to your Housing Facilities Operative or contact the High Rise Team on -

• 01482 616 108
• email - HousingHighRiseTeam@hullcc.gov.uk

Communal fire doors 

Fire doors must be kept closed. They slow down the spread of fire and smoke in separated areas.

Door closers are installed, and the doors should close shut without assistance.

Do not tamper with or disconnect any door closer.

Do not prop open fire doors.

If you notice a communal door that has been damaged, report a repair through -

• telephone - 01482 300 300
• myHousing App

Sheds

If you make use of a shed within your block, you must take all reasonable precautions to protect the premises from fire -

• keep the shed in a tidy condition free from rubbish
• do not keep dangerous material, or dangerous quantities of a material at the premises without written consent (dangerous materials include, but are not limited to, compressed gas, fireworks)
• do not keep in your shed-
  • petrol
  • paraffin
  • liquid or bottled gas
  • any other flammable materials

The only exception is when they are needed for medical purposes, and the equipment has been prescribed by a medical practitioner. 

If your shed is internal to the building it will be fitted with a fire door, do not tamper with the door.

Residents must not drill, stick or attatch anything to either the inside or outside the door or frame including -

• signs
• stickers
• ornaments

Residents may be charged for any damage caused to the door or frame if items are found to have been added.

Balconies

Having access to outside space is great, whether it's a private or shared garden, or a balcony. If you have a balcony, bear in mind that it’s part of a block and what you do or keep on it affects your neighbours.

To keep everyone safe -

• do not store any combustible items on your balcony, such as -
  • furniture
  • soft furnishings
  • white goods
  • bulk items
• do not put up screens or fencing
• do not use a BBQ on balconies in any of our buildings
• do not store or use electrical or gas items on the balcony including barbecues
• do not erect a shed, pigeon loft or any other construction in or on your balcony
• do not use plastic storage containers in this area
• do not block or cover the balcony with any items
• if you are drying clothes, remove them immediately when they are dry

Smoking on your balcony can be dangerous. If you do smoke, make sure you put your cigarette out and dispose of it in an ashtray. Never throw it over the side.

Only fire rated netting should be used to prevent pigeons and birds nesting.

If you have a balcony, it’s important to be aware of general safety for you, your family and visitors. We’ve put together some guidelines -

• never allow young children access to a balcony without an adult present
• keep your balcony door and windows locked when not in use
• if you have young children, consider installing a child-proof gate that you can lock when you’re not in the room and don’t want to lock the balcony door
• never lean over, sit or climb on the balcony wall or railing.
• white goods like fridges should not be stored or used on balconies
• never try to pass items to someone on another balcony
• never try to climb onto another balcony from your balcony.
• do not modify your balcony, including adding screening such as reeds or artificial leaves, remember that netting to prevent birds accessing your balcony is not safety netting
• keep furniture away from the railing and never let children climb on it