Independent Living fire safety

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

Do you know your Evacuation Plan?

Ensure escape routes are clear from clutter and do not store anything in a communal area. Keep your door and window keys in a known and accessible place.

You can speak to your Scheme Manager and ask them to familiarise you with the fire safety plan who can also offer ways to improve your fire safety. Your Scheme Manager is there to support you and answer and questions you may have. You can also contact us by calling customer services on 0344 7360066.

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

Smoke alarms and Carbon monoxide detectors

Smoke Alarms:

Make sure your smoke alarm is tested regularly by your Scheme Manager. If you have any concerns, please call us on 0344 7360066.

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.

Carbon monoxide detectors:

There should be a carbon monoxide detector in any room used as living accommodation which contains a fixed combustion appliance, (excluding gas cookers). Find out more about carbon monoxide here: www.regenda.org.uk/carbon-monoxide

Portable heaters

We recommend using oil-filled radiators only. Please don’t use gas, halogen or fan heaters.

  • Keep heaters away from curtains, furniture and clothes
  • Never use heaters to dry clothes
  • Always unplug heaters before bed or when leaving your home

Wheelchair users

If you are a wheelchair user, use mobility aids or use an oxygen cylinder, we will provide you with a personal evacuation plan. This helps us and emergency services recognise when additional help is required, if your building needs evacuating. If you have not been provided with a personal evacuation plan you will need to contact your Scheme Manager or call us on 0344 7360066.

Partially sighted or difficulty hearing

If you are partially sighted or have difficulty hearing, we can provide adaptations to your home, which will help you better understand when an alarm is activated. This might include flashing lights or a vibrating pillow. Contact your Scheme Manager or call us on 0344 7360066.

Mobility scooters

Mobility scooters should be stored externally, if this is not possible it may be acceptable to store your scooter in your flat. You will need to contact us or speak to your Scheme Manager to request permission. Mobility scooters should be in good condition and well maintained, If you have been granted permission to store a scooter in your flat, this should never be charged overnight or unattended.

 

Smoking & E-cigarettes

Smoking

  • Use a proper ashtray on a flat surface, away from anything that can catch fire
  • Make sure cigarettes are fully out before you leave them
  • Never smoke in bed or when you’re tired, or under the influence of alcohol or drugs

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

E-cigarettes

  • Don’t leave e-cigarettes charging for long periods
  • Only use the charger that came with your device
  • Buy from trusted shops and check for CE certification

 

Candles

  • Keep candles away from curtains, furniture and clothes
  • Never leave candles burning when you leave the room
  • Always blow them out before bed

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

Cooking & Electrical items

Cooking:

  • Keep cooking areas clear of paper and fabrics
  • Clean ovens and grills to stop grease fires
  • Never leave pans unattended
  • If a pan catches fire, turn off the heat if it’s safe – never throw water on it

Did you know? Over half of home fires start in the kitchen.

Electrical items:

  • Switch off and unplug things like TVs and chargers before bed or when you go out
  • Only leave essential items on

 

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.

Electric blankets

Electric blanket safety

1) Check regularly for wear and tear, they should never be used if wires are exposed through the fabric.

2) Follow the manufacturer’s instructions- unplug at night unless it states it’s safe for all-night use and store the blanket correctly preventing damage to electrical components.

3) Don’t use if the blanket has become scorched, discoloured or starts making buzzing sounds.

If you suspect there is a fire behind a closed door

  • Use the back of your hand to check if the door or handle feels warm
  • If it does, there may be a fire behind it
  • Smoke rises – get low to the ground and leave through the nearest safe exit