If you have any concerns or need fire safety repairs in any of our buildings, call 020 8319 8870 as soon as possible.
What we're doing
- We work closely with local government and the Fire Brigade to adopt the Government’s building safety proposals. We’re also implementing the recommendations from Dame Judith Hackitt’s review of building safety.
- All our blocks have up-to-date Fire Risk Assessments – we review these each year for our high-rise blocks (any buildings above 7 storeys). We deal with any recommendations immediately, or we put them into a programme of work to complete as soon as possible.
- We maintain all fire safety equipment to make sure it's working properly, and we check our buildings regularly to make sure our residents are safe. All our staff receive fire awareness training, so they can spot any risks in our buildings.
What you can do
As a resident, you also have a part to play in reducing fire risks in your home and building, so please read the information below.
Fire safety in your home
It’s important the Fire Brigade can reach you easily if there's a fire – and that you can get out quickly in an emergency.
So plan and practise an escape route with your family (usually, the best escape route is the way into your home). Wherever possible, plan a second route in case the first one is blocked. If there are older people or young children, make a plan that includes helping them out safely and keep any keys you need in the same place, so you can find them quickly. Every night check your escape route is clear.
If you live in a home with a balcony, keep it clear. Cluttered balconies can help fires spread and stop the fire services from tackling the fire properly.
There are two types of detectors in your home: smoke detectors and heat detectors (heat detectors are usually found in your kitchen). There should be one detector on every level of your home.
Test your smoke alarm weekly to make sure it works. If you don't have a smoke alarm, the London Fire Brigade will give you one for free – just call 0800 028 4428.
If your detector starts beeping intermittently, it means the battery is low. Only remove the battery if you have a new one to replace it with immediately. Never cover the detector to silence the beeping.
Smoking is a major cause of fire deaths in the UK. If you smoke, please make sure you put your cigarettes out and disposed of them properly. It’s safer to smoke outside, but never smoke or throw cigarettes off balconies.
If you do smoke indoors, don’t smoke in bed or in armchairs and sofas if you’re tired. Do not balance lit cigarettes on the edge of an ashtray or anything else. Put water on your ashtray before you empty it.
If you vape, use only the charger that came with it. Check the battery for damage, buy from a reputable seller, and do not leave it charging for long periods.
Around 60% of fires in the home start in the kitchen, so don’t leave your cooking unattended. When you’ve finished, double-check everything is turned off and any hot surfaces are clear. Be careful of wearing loose clothing when you cook.
Over time, grease can build up in the oven, hob and extractor – keeping them clean will reduce the risk of fire.
Some fires are started by candles, incense and oil burners. So make sure you put these out safely before leaving the room, especially at night when there’s a risk you could fall asleep.
Keep these items on flat, fire-resistant, stable surfaces away from flammable items like curtains, furniture and clothes. If possible, use LED, battery-operated candles as these reduce the risk of fire.
Fire safety in your building
It's vital communal areas like corridors, walkways and fire doors are kept clear of rubbish, prams, bikes, furniture, clothes and other items. This is so everyone can escape the building safely if they need to, and so firefighters can enter and exit the building safely when fighting a fire.
We ask you not to leave door mats, shoes, plant pots, bikes or push chairs as all of these items are a potential risk in a fire. If you find rubbish or anything blocking communal areas or fire escapes, contact us as soon as possible.
These provide access to gas, water or electrical services. They are not storage cupboards and should be locked. Do not use them to store items, as it increases the risk of a fire starting and spreading. If you see a cupboard with a damaged or open door, or full of items, contact us as soon as possible.
If you find anything blocking communal areas or fire escapes, please contact us as soon as possible.
Gas cylinder devices – including portable gas heaters, gas-fuelled barbecues and blow torches – are a major fire risk. You are not allowed to use or store gas cylinder devices anywhere on our estates, including on balconies, in roof-top gardens, communal gardens or indoor communal areas. Contact your local council to arrange disposal.
