Fire safety for council tenants

Most properties have a smoke alarm fitted. If your home does not have a smoke alarm fitted, contact us on 0800 188 4000. For mobiles call 0113 376 0410.          

We will arrange for a battery detector to be fitted until a mains detector can be installed.          

Maintaining your smoke alarm

Make sure your smoke alarm is in good working order by:          

• testing it once a week
• replacing the battery every year (if necessary)
• vacuuming its vents twice a year

To reduce the risk of fires in the kitchen:          

• take pans off the heat or turn them down if you need to leave the kitchen whilst cooking
• make sure saucepan handles don't stick out to avoid knocking them off the stove
• take care if you are wearing loose clothing, it can easily catch fire
• keep tea towels away from the cooker and hob
• use spark devices to light gas cookers rather than matches or lighters, they are safer than a naked flame
• make sure the cooker is off when you've finished cooking
• keep electrics away from water
• check toasters are clean and placed away from curtains and kitchen rolls
• keep the oven, hob and grill clean - a buildup of grease can cause a fire
• don't put anything metal in the microwave

Deep fat frying

If you use a deep fat fryer:          

• take care when cooking with hot oil – it sets alight easily
• make sure food is dry before putting it in hot oil so it doesn’t splash
• if the oil starts to smoke, it’s too hot - turn off the heat and leave it to cool
• use a thermostat controlled electric deep fat fryer - they can’t overheat

Avoid electrical fires by:          

• keeping appliances clean and in good working order
• checking that you use the right fuse to prevent overheating
• making sure an electrical appliance has a British or European safety mark when you buy it
• try and keep to one plug per socket, especially for high powered appliances such as washing machines
• being careful not to overload extension leads or adaptors, which have a limit to how many amps they can take
• checking and replacing old cables and leads
• unplugging appliances when you're not using them

Electric blankets

If you use an electric blanket:          

• storing it flat, rolled up or loosely folded to prevent damage to the internal wiring
• unplugging it before you get into bed, unless it has a thermostat control for safe all-night use
• not buying second hand blankets if possible
• checking regularly for wear and tear

If you smoke inside your home, make sure you:          

• stub cigarettes out properly and dispose of them carefully - do not put them directly into a bin
• never smoke in bed
• use a proper ashtray made of a material that won't burn
• don’t leave a lit cigarette, cigar or pipe lying around
• keep matches and lighters out of children’s reach - consider buying child resistant lighters and match boxes
• do not leave e-cigarettes to charge overnight and only use the charger and parts that were originally supplied
• do not carry loose spare batteries in your pocket

High-rise flats have a fire-resistant fire door fitted to the entrance. This is required by law and has the following features:          

1. A self-closer.
2. Fire resistant door viewer.
3. If glazing is fitted within the door, it will be fire resistant.
4. Fire resistant letter box assembly.
5. Intumescent seals to door frame (seals that swell if heated to prevent fire spread).
6. Smoke seals to door frame.
7. All hardware including hinges and handles are fire resistant.
8. Thumb turn lock.

You must never tamper with or alter any of the fittings. These doors are there to protect you within the block.          

Any fault or damage to the door needs to be reported by calling 0800 188 4000 and asking for an emergency repair.          

From 2023, we will inspect flat entrance fire doors from both sides, inside and outside. Notice of the dates of inspection will be given in advance.          

These inspections are a requirement of new laws and are for your safety. Residents, leaseholders and their tenants must allow access for inspections.          

Do not keep combustible items such as artificial flowers, furniture, rubbish bins and books in balconies or communal areas, including landings and lobbies.          

Barbecues, wood burners and candles are not permitted on balconies.          

Do not drop cigarettes over balconies.          

Fires caused by rubbish or waste which has been incorrectly disposed of are very common. To prevent fires, make sure you:          

• put your waste in small bags and put the bags down the chute
• do not put loose boxes down the chute
• do not force bags down the chute
• do not leave bulky furniture on the landings

To make sure your sprinklers work properly:          

• never paint a sprinkler head or cover plate
• never paint any exposed pipework
• never hang anything from a sprinkler head or pipework
• never obstruct or damage or attempt removal of a sprinkler head

Due to how your building was built, the structure provides a level of fire resistance.

If the fire is in your flat, you should:          

• alert any other people in the flat
• leave the flat and close the door after the last person
• go to the communal lounge if you live in a Retirement LIFE block and if you encounter smoke on route, leave the building by the nearest fire exit
• follow the escape route
• never use the lift
• not go back to your flat until you have been told it is safe to do so

If you are cut off by fire

• block the bottom of doorways with blankets or coats
• with the door shut, open the window and call for help
• call 999 if you can
• stay near the window
• if you are trapped in a high storey, lean out of the open window for fresh air until help arrives
• if the room gets too smoky, crouch to floor level where it will be easier to breathe
• if your flat is not too high from the ground, drop cushions or bedding to the ground below to break your fall. Get out feet first and lower yourself down the full length of your arms before dropping