Fire Safety

What We Do to Keep You Safe

As your landlord, here’s how we help ensure fire safety in our buildings:

• Fire risk assessments – We carry these out regularly in buildings with communal or shared spaces.
• Fire alarm and emergency lighting checks – These are tested on a regular basis to make sure they’re working properly.
• Fire doors and exit routes – We check that fire doors are working as they should, and that escape routes are always clear.
• Fast response – If there’s a fault with a fire alarm, we aim to fix it within 24 hours.
• Smoke control systems – Where needed, we install systems to help keep communal areas clear of smoke in a fire.
• Clutter-free communal areas – We remove flammable or bulky items that could block escape routes or increase fire risk.

For our rented tenants, we also:

• Arrange access to your home at a convenient time to check any fire detection equipment.
• Install smoke detectors – and heat detectors where necessary – in every home.
• Maintain and test detectors in communal areas. Detectors inside your home are your responsibility to test regularly.

What You Can Do

Everyone has a part to play in fire safety. Here’s how you can help:

• Know the risks – Be aware of potential fire hazards in your home and take steps to reduce them.
• Make a plan – Make sure everyone in your household knows what to do in the event of a fire.
• Follow guidance – If you live in a building with shared spaces, we’ll inform you of your fire evacuation plan. Fire Action notices are usually posted near exits and your front door.
• Be balcony safe – Never use a barbecue on your balcony. Store only fire-safe items there.
• Keep your cooker hood clean – Regularly clean the filters to avoid grease build-up, which can catch fire.
• Test your smoke alarms – Check them monthly. If it starts beeping, replace the battery straight away.
• Stay informed – Read all fire safety information we send you.
• Report issues – Let us know if you spot anything concerning, such as a faulty fire door, broken emergency light, or items blocking communal areas.

You can reach us on 020 7440 9440 if you have any concerns.

If you’re deaf or hard of hearing, we offer support via a text service [insert details] or can connect you with a British Sign Language interpreter.

Fire Safety: How to Prepare and Reduce Risk

Know your evacuation plan
If you live in a building with shared internal areas, make sure you’re familiar with the fire evacuation strategy and procedure.

In the Kitchen

• Keep tea towels and cloths away from the hob.
• Use a spark device instead of matches to light gas cookers.
• Don’t leave cooking unattended – turn off the heat or take pans off the hob if you need to step away.
• Always double-check the cooker is off after use.
• Avoid cooking under the influence of alcohol or drugs.

Smoke Alarms

• Test smoke alarms monthly.
• Replace yearly batteries on time.
• Never remove the battery unless you’re replacing it.

Electrical Safety

• Keep appliances and cords away from water.
• Use proper adaptors for non-UK devices – never force a two-prong plug into a UK socket.
• Don’t dry laundry on portable heaters. If unavoidable, keep clothes at a safe distance.
• Report any issues such as burn marks on sockets or plugs.
• Avoid overloading extension leads – most are rated for 13 amps. Plug high-heat items (like irons and hair dryers) directly into wall sockets.

General Safety at Home

• Use candles and tea lights carefully – keep them away from flammable materials.
• Keep matches and lighters out of children’s reach.
• Never smoke in bed.
• Never use a barbecue on your balcony.
• Check furniture for a fire-resistant label.