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

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.

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

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.

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.

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

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.