Fire safety in your home

As your landlord, we take fire safety in your home seriously.

Do you know your Evacuation Plan?

Make sure everyone in your household knows how to get out in the event of a fire. Ensure escape routes are clear from clutter. Keep your door and window keys in a known and accessible place.

Never store anything in a communal area. It can block your escape route and could be a tripping hazard.

Please speak to your Housing Officer and ask them to familiarise you with the fire safety plan. You can also contact us by calling customer services on 0344 736 0066.


Here are some helpful fire safety tips to make sure your home remains risk free:

Fire Doors

If your home has fire doors, It’s important that fire doors can do their job to help create a barrier from fire and smoke and prevent it from travelling around a building, keep the damage to a small area and allow for evacuation and safe access for the emergency services. 

In the new year, contractors will visit properties with a fire door in place, to check they're working as they should be. We'll let you know when they'll visit your building.  

We've produced a quick check list so you can make sure your fire door is working as it should. 

If your door does not pass all three checks call us straight away on 0344 736 0066

1 – Check the self-closing device – Open the door and let it self-close, the door should close firmly onto the latch without sticking to the floor or the frame.  
 
2 - Check fire strips (usually a plastic strip with a fuzzy brush) around the top and sides of the door or frame. Check they’re intact with no signs of damage. 
 
3 - Check your door and door frame has no damage or holes.  

Remember, all communal areas must be clear and free from all obstructions that can impact on someone’s ability to safely evacuate your building.  

No items can be left in the communal area which would prevent the fire service from assessing the building. 

The stairways are escape routes and must be kept completely clear. Fire doors must be always closed and never propped open. 

We do regular inspections to communal areas to make sure they remain safe. Any items found in communal areas will be considered a Fire Hazard and will be removed and disposed of. 

Fire door with arrows pointing at different parts of door with safety checks described in text

Smoke Alarms

You should have at least one working smoke alarm on every level of your home. NEVER take the batteries out of your smoke alarm. Check and test smoke alarms regularly to ensure they are working. Smoke alarms can be tested by you, your Scheme Manager, a friend, neighbour or family member. If you have any concerns, please call us on 0344 736 0066.

Did you know? 90 people die each year because the battery in their smoke alarm was flat or missing.

Smoking

Smoking
If you smoke, use a proper ashtray and make sure it is placed on a level surface away from combustible materials. Make sure your cigarettes are fully extinguished and don’t leave lit cigarettes unattended. Don’t smoke in bed – you could easily fall asleep while your cigarette is still burning and cause a fire. Never smoke when under the influence of drugs or alcohol. If your lit cigarette starts a fire you could be less able to escape. 

E-cigarettes 
Never leave e-cigarettes on charge unattended for long periods of time. Do not mix components of different e-cigarettes. Only use the charger supplied with your device. Ensure you purchase your e-cigarette and charger from a reputable source and check the e-cigarette carries CE certification.

Did you know? Every three days someone dies from a fire caused by a cigarette.

Portable heaters

Regenda recommends the use of oil filled radiators only. Gas, halogen, and fan heaters should not be used.

NEVER use electrical heaters to dry clothes, keep them well away from curtains , furniture and other flammable materials. ALWAYS switch off and unplug your heaters before going to bed.

1) Never block escape routes
2) Keep heaters away from combustible materials like paper, furniture, and fabrics.  
3) Unplug heaters when you leave your flat or go to bed.

Candles

Keep candles well away from curtains, furniture and clothing. Do not leave lit candles unattended. Always make sure candles are out before you go to bed.

Did you know? Candles cause more than five fires per day.

Cooking & Electrical items

Cooking

Keep cooking areas clear from combustible materials like paper and fabrics.. Make sure your oven and grill are clean – a build-up of fat or grease can cause a fire. Don't leave pans unattended while cooking.

Never leave pans unattended when cooking. If the pan catches fire, don’t try and tackle the fire yourself. If it is safe to do so, turn off the heat. Never throw water on a pan fire.

Did you know? Over half of home fires are caused by cooking accidents.
 

Electrical items
When you go to bed or leave your home, only leave essential appliances switched on – switch off and unplug electrical items such as TVs and charging plugs.

If you suspect there is a fire behind a closed door

Check the closed door handle or door with the back of your hand. If it feels warm, the fire may be on the other side. Smoke can kill – get down as low as possible where the air is clearer and escape from your nearest safe exit.