Fire safety

• Fire doors should be kept shut when not in use as a fire door only works when it is closed  
• Do not tamper with self-closing devices 
• Report any fault or damage immediately to your manager  

• Never leave cooking unattended  
• If you leave the kitchen, take pans off the heat. Take a reminder with you, like a timer or oven mitt, to remind you that you are cooking  
• Do not cook if you are drowsy from medication  
• Double check the oven and hob is switched off after use  
• Keep tea towels and cloths away from the oven and hob  
• Ensure saucepan handles are turned in to prevent them from being knocked and falling  

Fires caused by smoking materials are often the result of incorrect disposal and lapses in concentration. It is sensible to: 

• Never leave cigarettes, pipes or cigars unattended 
• Ensure cigarettes, pipes and cigars are properly extinguished 
• Never overfill ashtrays  
• Always use lighters rather than matches 
• Avoid smoking in bed and take care when you are tired  
• Avoid smoking while under the influence of alcohol or drugs  
• Use a purpose-built, heavy ashtray that will not tip and is made of material that will not burn 

If you use candles: 

• Never leave them burning when you go to sleep 
• Always put them out if you leave the room 
• Always use an appropriate candle holder 
• Keep them away from any flammable materials e.g. curtains 

A lot of fires start at night. There are some safety checks you can do before you go to bed:  

• Close all inside doors and ensure access to the front door is clear
• Turn off heaters, unless essential. Electric blankets should also be switched off
• Extinguish candles and cigarettes
• Have access to a phone
• Unplug items that use electricity unless they need to remain on (e.g. fridges/freezers). Washers and dryers should be off
• Check the cooker controls are off
• Put keys where everyone can find them

It is important that you know what to do if there is a fire and how you can remain safe. 

Please familiarise yourself with the exit routes for your scheme, nearest assembly point and the evacuation strategy. If you are in doubt please contact your manager and we will inform you of the policy for your scheme.   

• Do not ignore your smoke or heat alarm if activated or if a door feels hot, there probably is a fire on the other side 
• If there is a fire in a room, leave straight away, close the door and any other doors to prevent the spread of fire 
• Tell everyone else in your home to evacuate 
• Do not stay behind to put out the fire or collect personal possessions 
• Do not use the lifts and walk calmly to the designated place of safety 
• Call the Fire Service immediately by dialling 999 or 112. 

1. Dial 999 or 112
2. When the operator answers give your telephone number and ask for fire
3. When the Fire Service replies, give the address of where the fire is
4. Do not end the call until the fire service has repeated the address correctly
5. Never re-enter the building until authorised to do so

Fire safety guidance will be provided to new residents during the sign up process.  Your manager will also complete a Person-Centred Fire Risk Assessment and discuss any health and safety issues with you.   

Your local fire service provide a ‘Safe and Well’ service that you may wish to look into, your manager can help to arrange this. We have a dedicated team of Building Surveyors who conduct a comprehensive fire risk assessment of your building on an annual basis. 

As your landlord, Housing 21 will ensure that where appropriate all fire alarm and early warning systems (smoke/heat detectors) are examined and serviced by a specialist contractor. 

In addition, as part of the lettable standard inspection, smoke and carbon monoxide detectors are inspected within properties when they become void and again when they are ready to re-let.