We have a duty to take steps to prevent fires breaking out in the communal areas, but there are a few things you can do to help:

• do not obstruct any communal areas, including the stairs, corridors and landings
• do not prop open fire doors in communal areas
• do not store prams, bicycles or mobility scooters in communal areas without permission
• you should immediately report any damage to the building structure that could compromise fire safety, for example fire doors
• allow access for maintenance, which is required to keep your flat compliant with health and safety standards
• do not carry out any DIY to the property as this could impact the fire safety features in place
• keep fire escape routes and exits clear
• if you have a balcony, do not use it as an extra storage space; balconies packed with flammable items can cause a fire to spread much more quickly

There may be facilities in the common areas that are installed to help fire and rescue services in an emergency, such as dry and wet risers, opening vents and evacuation alert systems. These should be protected to prevent unauthorised access.

Smoke alarms

We must provide smoke alarms in your flat, but you are personally responsible for making sure they continue to work while you’re living there.

• test your smoke alarms at least monthly by pressing the button on them
• if you press the button and there is no sound, please contact your accommodation officer
• if your smoke alarms are wired into the mains but are not working, please contact your accommodation officer to make sure this is raised with an electrician
• if your smoke alarm goes off by mistake, do not take out the batteries and wait for it to stop. Many alarms have a hush button that can be pressed to temporarily silence an alarm.
• if you hear a neighbour’s smoke alarm, don’t ignore it but alert the resident. If they don’t respond, call 999 and ask for the fire and rescue service.

Fire doors

• keep fire doors closed; do not wedge or prop them open; this includes obstructing them with items such as furniture, bikes, or prams.
• do not tamper with door closers; these are the mechanisms that ensure the door closes automatically
• if you notice any cracks, gaps, or damage to the door or its frame, let our accommodation team know straight away
• if your fire door shows any sign of fault, please notify us as soon as possible.

In the kitchen

Cooking safely

• take extra care if you need to leave the kitchen whilst cooking, take pans off the heat or turn them down to avoid risk
• avoid cooking under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs
• avoid leaving children in the kitchen alone. Keep matches and saucepan handles out of their reach
• keep tea towels and clothes away from the cooker and hob
• double-check the cooker is off when you’ve finished cooking

Take care with electrics

• keep electrics (leads and appliances) away from water
• check toasters are clean and placed away from curtains and kitchen rolls
• do not put anything metal in the microwave unless it's designed to take it

Deep fat frying

• make sure your food is dry before putting it in hot oil
• if the oil starts to smoke, that means it’s too hot. Turn off the heat and leave it to cool
• do not use a chip pan, use a thermostat-controlled electric deep fat fryer, as they can’t overheat

What to do if a pan catches fire

• do not take any risks, do not move the pan and do not throw water over it
• turn off the heat if it’s safe to do so
• do not tackle the fire yourself
• close the door to the kitchen if possible
• get out and stay out. Call 999

Electrics

Be extra careful with electrics

• always use appliances in line with manufacturers’ instructions
• never try to dry clothes on electric heaters
• overloading electrical sockets, extension or adaptors is dangerous and increases the risk of fire
• certain appliances, such as washing machines or electric heaters that use a lot of electricity, should not be plugged in
• look out for signs of loose wiring, faulty plugs, sockets or fuses, such as scorch marks or flickering lights
• let us know immediately if you’re concerned about the electrics in your home

Electric blankets

• unplug the blanket before you get into bed unless it has thermostatic controls for safe all‑night use
• store electric blankets flat, rolled up or loosely folded
• avoid buying second-hand electric blankets

Cigarettes

• make sure cigarettes are put out properly after you have finished with them
• smoke outdoors and put cigarettes right out
• use an ashtray – do not use a wastepaper bag or other unsafe item
• make sure your ashtray cannot trip over and is made of a material that won’t burn
• do not leave a lit cigarette, cigar, or pipe lying around as they can easily fall over and start a fire
• keep matches and lighters out of children’s reach

Candles

• be extra careful if you have been drinking alcohol or are taking medication
• avoid placing them where they can be easily knocked over, or on or near materials that could burn or catch fire, like curtains
• put them out when you leave the room, and make sure they are out completely at night
• do not leave children alone with candles