Test your smoke alarms regularly
- Test all battery-powered smoke alarms in your home once a week.
- Put in new batteries when they run out.
- If you're not sure how to test yours, please get in touch.
Make it easy to get out
- Keep the exits in your home clear so it's quick and easy to get out.
- Keep communal areas clear at all times.
- Make sure the door and window keys are easy to find.
- Know where your fire escape staircases are and it they're nearer than the main staircase.
- Decide on the easiest way out of your home and outside. Make sure everyone knows what it is and what the fire procedure for your building is.
Keep self-closing doors closed
- Don't wedge self-closing doors open - these help stop smoke and fire spreading.
Balcony safety
- Keep your balcony clear – do not store lots of items and/or flammable recycling materials, such as cardboard, on your balcony.
- Don’t affix additional timber or flammable screening to your balcony.
- Barbecues are not permitted on balconies due to the fire safety risk they pose – this is in line with the terms of our tenancy and lease agreements. Read our tips on being fire safe for more information.
- If you have decorative lighting on your balcony, we recommend that you check they are for external use and that the power connection is inside, away from the effects of the weather.
Use electrical equipment with care
- Switch off and unplug electrical equipment before you go to bed, except things like fridges and freezers.
- Don't plug too many things into any socket.
- If an electrical lead is frayed, get it repaired.
- If a plug or socket is hot or scorched get it checked by a qualified electrician.
- If an electrical fire starts in your home, pull out the plug at the wall or switch off the power at the fuse box.
- Never pour water on electrical appliances or on a fire that's been caused by an electrical appliance.
- For peace of mind, use BS-rated electrical appliances.
Take care when cooking
- Most fires start in the kitchen, so take extra care here.
- Never leave pans with hot oil or other fat on the cooker if you're not watching them.
- If the oil or fat starts burning, don't throw water on it. Turn off the heat and get out.
- If a fire starts in the oven, switch it off and keep the door closed.
- Double check your cooker and oven are off when you're finished cooking.
Be prepared
- Read our advice on what to do if there's a fire. Then you'll know exactly what to do if one does start.
Read the government's guide to fire safety.