Fire safety and prevention

Please familiarize yourself with the following fire safety procedures.

Please contact us if:

• you have a condition that puts you at additional risk in the event of fire, or
• you require a copy of these fire precautions in your own language.

Escape preparation #

After moving in, check your house plan to ensure you know:

• the primary and secondary routes you can use to escape in the event of fire. The main staircase is usually the quickest way out, but you may have external routes.
• the location of all window and door keys.
• the location of fire blankets and extinguishers.
• the location of break-glass alarms.
• how to control and reset smoke and fire alarms.

Discuss and practice your escape plan with other occupants.

Fire alarms #

Please check your fire alarms and emergency lighting at least once per month.

If fire or smoke alarms go off unnecessarily, check for causes and inform us. Do NOT disconnect or change alarm settings: you could be held liable in the event of a fire.

Fire prevention #

For your protection:

• Do NOT block, remove self-closers, or wedge fire doors open.
• Do NOT cover smoke, heat, or other fire detectors.
• Do NOT store belongings or furniture on escape routes, such as staircases or landings.
• Do NOT use fireplaces.
• Do NOT use candles.
• Do NOT cover Economy 7 or other heaters.
• Do NOT cover light bulbs, spotlights, desk lamps, or lampshades.
• Do NOT leave hair dryers or straighteners plugged in after use.
• Do NOT overload electric sockets or extension leads.
• Do NOT trail electrical leads across floors.
• Do NOT use chip pans.
• Do NOT keep towels and cloth near to cookers.
• Do NOT allow grease to build up on cookers or filters.
• Do NOT use metal or foil in microwaves.
• Do NOT cook when you have been drinking alcohol - get a takeaway instead!
• Do NOT leave cooking pans unattended.
• Do NOT store combustible items in or near or in the property.
• Do NOT put bottled gas or paraffin type heaters in the property.
• Do NOT put Christmas cards or decorations near heaters and fireplaces.
• Do NOT smoke or use matches in the property.

In the event of fire #

Do NOT fight a fire yourself unless it’s small and contained. Get out of the room, close the door, and call the fire brigade on 999.

Put your own and other people’s safety first and get everyone out of the building. Shout “FIRE!” and set off the fire alarm systems.

• Do NOT stop to collect belongings.
• Do NOT open doors without feeling for heat first.
• Do NOT re-enter the property until the fire brigade has given the all clear.

Using fire blankets #

Only use a fire blanket when the fire is small and self-contained. The blanket can smother cooking fires, burning grease, burning paints, or small fires involving paper, fabrics, or furniture.

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 away 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 since it could re-ignite. Switch off the cooker/hob if safe to do so.
6. Contact us for a replacement fire blanket.

Never put yourself at risk and inform the fire brigade about any fires in your property.

Using break-glass alarms #

Refer to these call point instructions and video:

Cut off by fire #

If you cannot exit a room because of fire:

1. Close the door nearest the fire and block any gaps to prevent smoke and fumes.

2. Cover your nose and mouth with clothing and breathe through it.

3. In cases of dense smoke, stay as close to the floor as possible and crawl towards an escape route such as a window.

4. Open or break the window. Double-glazing can only be broken when hit at a corner or an edge.

5. Attract attention of someone outside. Get them to call 999.

6. Wait for rescue.

   If you are in immediate danger, drop cushions or bedding to break your fall then exit feet first. Lower yourself the full length of your arms before dropping.