Fire safety reminder for residents living in blocks of flats
As part of our ongoing work to help keep residents safe, we carry out regular fire risk assessments in our blocks of flats and make sure any actions are completed where necessary.
Fire safety is a shared between residents and us as your landlord. Every building is different, so it’s important that you take a few moments to read the fire safety information displayed in your block’s entrance hallway. Please make sure everyone in your household knows what to do in the event of a fire.
With warmer weather approaching, we’re sharing some reminders to help keep you and your neighbours safe. You can find out more on our Fire safety management web page.
Smoke alarms and keeping your home safe
Whether you rent or own your home, it’s important to make sure your alarms are working properly. Please test your smoke and carbon monoxide alarms regularly by pressing the button until the alarm sounds.
If you rent your home from us, smoke alarms are fitted on every habitable floor, along with a carbon monoxide alarm in rooms with fuel-burning appliances.
If you think your alarms are missing or not working, please contact us so we can arrange a priority check. You can do this via the My Settle Portal using the ‘report a repair’ option, or by contacting us directly.
Keep balconies and outdoor areas safe and clutter-free
If a fire breaks out on your balcony, it could spread much faster than a fire inside your building. Please follow our guidelines to keep your outside areas fire-safe.
If you have a balcony:
- You can keep plants and a few small items of patio furniture on your balcony.
- Never install reed fencing or any other combustible screening.
- Do not store any bulky or flammable items. Keep items to a minimum by removing rubbish and combustible items like furniture, timber, decorating materials and children’s plastic toys.
- Any white or electrical goods (for example, fridges and tumble dryers) must not be stored on balconies. These items are not suitable for outdoor use and may start a fire.
- Please keep your balcony as clean and tidy as possible, this will help prevent the start and spread of fires.
- Do not use barbecues. Falling embers from a BBQ can burn items on your balcony.
- You must not use an outdoor patio heater or a flame pit.
- Never use fireworks of any type.
- Never store gas cylinders or any item containing flammable liquid.
- If you smoke on your balcony, always fully extinguish any cigarettes using an ashtray or bucket with water or sand. Do not dispose of a cigarette by flicking it over the side.
If you have a garden: - Keep gardens and sheds tidy. Clear dry leaves, grass cuttings, rubbish and anything that could burn.
- Store chemicals, paints and fuels in their original containers, tightly closed, upright and away from heat, sparks and anything that could burn.
- Keep gas cylinders, petrol and barbecue fuel in storage that is secure and well ventilated.
- Keep barbecues away from sheds, fences, plants and buildings. Let ashes cool fully after use.
- Keep compost heaps moist and turn them regularly, especially in hot, dry weather.
- Regularly check any outdoor lights, outdoor heaters and tools for damaged plugs or cables.
- Store lawnmowers, power tools and chargers in a dry, secure place away from heat, fuel and anything that could burn. Unplug chargers when not in use.
- Keep gates, paths and shared access routes clear so emergency services can reach your garden, shed or home quickly if needed.
Keep shared areas clear
Corridors, stairwells, entrances and lifts must be kept clear at all times as they are essential escape routes in the event of a fire or other emergency. They must also remain accessible for everyone, including people using wheelchairs, buggies or other mobility aids.
Please do not leave bags, deliveries, bins, bicycles, mobility scooters or furniture in communal areas, even for a short time.
For everyone’s safety, please avoid charging mobility scooters or other battery-powered items in shared areas.
Fire doors and flat entrance doors
Fire doors help slow the spread of smoke and fire and protect escape routes.
Your flat entrance door is an an important part of the building’s fire safety system. It helps protect you, your neighbours and the wider block in an emergency.
Please do not wedge fire doors open or make changes to your flat entrance door, including door closers, locks, letter plates or smoke seals. These features help the door meet fire safety standards and keep everyone safe.
Please report any faults – you can do this via the My Settle Portal using the ‘report a repair’ option, or by contacting us directly.
BBQ safety
If you are using a BBQ outdoors, please make sure it is used safely.
Place it on level ground in an open outdoor area, well away from buildings, fences, sheds, trees and anything else that could catch fire. Never use petrol or other flammable liquids to light a BBQ and never leave it unattended while lit or still hot.
Children and pets should always be kept at a safe distance, and please make sure ashes and coals are completely cold before disposing of them.
Avoid using BBQs in windy conditions, as this can increase the risk of fire spreading.
Need support or have concerns?
If you need extra support to leave your home in an emergency, such as a fire, help is available.
You can self-refer for a Personal Emergency Evacuation Plan (PEEPs), which helps us understand your needs and put suitable arrangements in place.
If you are unsure whether this applies to you or would like to talk to us about the support available, please contact us on 0330 343 0016.
If you have any concerns about the safety of your home or communal areas, please get in contact with us and our teams will be happy to help.
