We take all reasonable actions to make sure our tenants are safe, particularly with fire safety in flats. All flats are built with fire safety in mind. Specially designed walls and doors that separate the flats from communal areas can resist the spread of fire and smoke. This means that communal areas can provide a safe escape route should a fire break out. Building safety legislation has changed significantly, and we are working hard to implement these changes to promote positive building safety.
There are many simple measures you can take to help prevent a fire in your home. Following this advice can keep you and your family safe.
Electrical appliances and sockets
You should -
- buy from trustworthy sources. If you have bought second-hand appliances, have them checked by a qualified electrician before using them
- not overload sockets and avoid the use of extension leads
- not dry clothes on electric heaters or leave them switched on when you are out
- not leave handheld heated appliances such as curling tongs, hairdryers and straighteners plugged in after use
- not use your own electrical appliances in communal areas
- switch off appliances at night
Cigarettes and Candles
Cigarettes and candles are naked flames. Two fires a day are caused by candles, and every six days, someone dies from a fire caused by cigarettes.
Take care when smoking or lighting candles. Remember -
- smoking is not permitted in communal areas
- never place candles on top of electrical appliances
- if you use candles, ensure they are kept away from materials that might catch fire, such as curtains or furniture and are kept out of reach of children or pets
- to make sure all cigarettes and candles are completely put out before leaving a room, especially before going to bed
- to empty ashtrays and dispose of contents carefully
Flammable items
Flammable items are substances, materials or processes which can burn or explode, and should not be brought into the flats or put on your balcony.
- Do not bring into the flats or store any paraffin heaters, liquid or bottled gas heaters, petrol or any other dangerous materials. The only exception is when they are needed for medical purposes, and the equipment has been prescribed by a medical practitioner
- Do not use fireworks in communal areas, flats or balconies
Mobility scooters, motorcycles, mopeds, e-bikes and e-scooters
The charging and storage of these vehicles is strictly prohibited in communal spaces. We will remove these items.
- mobility scooters should be maintained and regularly serviced
- recharge batteries safely within your home, and do not leave them unattended when charging
- use only electric or manual mobility scooters, as petrol and gas are not allowed in the building
- do not leave mobility scooters or any other vehicles at the main entrance or exits to your block
- make sure you do not block your escape route with these vehicles
- do not bring motorcycles, mopeds, quad bikes or any machinery with a petrol or diesel engine into the block
Oxygen
If you use medical oxygen at home for health reasons, below are some guidelines you should follow in relation to fire prevention.
- do not smoke, set fire to anything, light a candle or turn your cooker on whilst using an oxygen mask
- keep oxygen at least two meters (six feet) away from heat sources such as cookers, candles and lighters
- do not use flammable products whilst using an oxygen mask
- store oxygen cylinders upright and secure
Emollient skin products (for example, petrolatum, lanolin, mineral oil and dimethicone)
Whilst these products are safe to use, they can soak into clothing, dressings and bedding, leaving a flammable residue.
If you use these types of products for health reasons, below are some guidelines you should follow in relation to fire prevention.
- avoid smoking or using naked flames (and being near to others who do) whilst these products are in contact with your clothes, dressings or bandages
- make sure clothes and bedding are changed regularly (if possible, daily), as the skin product soaks into fabrics and is a potential fire hazard
- take care to make sure that the product does not soak into chairs or other furniture
- do not sit too close to open fires or portable heaters