Fire safety

Access to your property is required once a month to test the fire alarm system. This will normally be on a Tuesday evening after 5pm.

Make sure you know which route to use in event of fire. The main staircase is usually the quickest route to an outside door. Check that any external escape staircase or platform is safe to use.

Discuss and practice and an escape plan with other occupants of the house and take part in fire drill practice.

Fire blankets and break-glass call points are shown on your house plan on the notice board. If you have a fire alarm system, make sure you know how to use the controls and reset the devices.

DO NOT:

  • disconnect or modify alarm equipment: you could be held liable if the fire equipment has been tampered with
  • disconnect the self-closers to fire doors or wedge them open. Close doors to the kitchen and living room
  • cover smoke or heat detectors
  • store belongings or furniture on staircases or landings which block escape route
  • light candles in the house
  • cover economy 7 heaters with clothing or any items
  • cover lampshades with shawls or any other item.
  • store combustible items in or near the property
  • overload extension leads
  • use fireplaces – they are usually blocked and could cause carbon monoxide poisoning
  • leave hair dryers or straighteners plugged in

Smoking (tobacco or any other substance) is not permitted within or directly outside the property.

In the event of fire:

  1. Do not tackle the fire yourself, unless it is at a very early stage.
  2. Get out of the room and close the door.
  3. Alert others and get everyone to safety.
  4. Shout “FIRE” and use break-glass call points.
  5. Dial 999 and call the fire brigade.
  6. Do not collect belongings.
  7. Do not open doors without feeling it for heat first.
  8. Do not re-enter a property until the fire brigade allow you.

Please contact us if you have a condition that would put you at additional risk if there was a fire in the property so we can apply measures as required.

You can request a copy of the fire precautions in your own language.

If you find yourself cut off by fire:

  1. Close the door nearest the fire.
  2. Block any gaps around the door to stop smoke and fumes coming in.
  3. Cover your nose and mouth with your clothing.
  4. Stay as close to the floor as possible.
  5. Open the window or break it if necessary. Double-glazing can only be broken if hit at a corner or an edge.
  6. Try to attract attention of someone who can call for help.
  7. Wait for rescue.

If you are in immediate danger and need to jump, drop cushions or bedding first to break your fall. Get out feet first and lower yourself the full length of your arms before dropping.

Using a fire blanket

Only use a fire blanket if the fire is small: never not put yourself at risk. They can be used to smother small fires, such as on pans, burning grease, or small fires involving paper, fabrics, or furniture.

To use:

  1. Pull the blanket out of its container
  2. Hold it by the top corners and keep hands wrapped.
  3. Walk towards the fire keeping your face well back from the flames
  4. Place the blanket carefully over the fire, keeping your hands and face shielded
  5. Leave the fire blanket over the fire for at least 30 minutes.
  6. If it is safe to do so, switch of the cooker/hob.

If you have used the fire blanket, contact us so we can issue you with a new one and, if necessary, alert the Fire Brigade for further advice.

Instructional videos:

False Fire Alarms

If smoke alarms start unnecessarily, check what’s setting them off. Inform the landlord if necessary.