Fire Safety

Advice for keeping you safe from fire

What is fire safety?

The safety of our residents is a top priority for us, and we are committed to going above and beyond when it comes to fire safety in our buildings. Fire safety is everyone’s responsibility, and it is important that we all work together to stay safe and help prevent fires.

We have an obligation to ensure that your home meets all relevant fire safety standards. We ensure that all our properties conform to rigorous fire safety standards, carrying out fire risk assessments and working with the London Fire Brigade to comply with all safety requirements. 

If you live in a high-rise block (7 stories or above 18 metres) further information about safety in your block including fire safety can be found at Building Safety.

What does the Council do to ensure fire safety?

As your landlord, we:

  • Regularly carry out fire risk assessments in our buildings that have communal or shared spaces.
  • Test the communal fire alarms and emergency lighting regularly and check that fire doors are closing and exit routes are clear.
  • Visit regularly to service and maintain all the equipment 
  • Respond to fire alarm repairs within 24 hours.
  • Check fire doors regularly, as they help stop fire and smoke spreading through a building.
  • Inspect our blocks regularly to make sure that escape routes are clear.
  • Remove household and other flammable items from corridors or cupboards in communal hallways. As well as fuelling fires, these can block escape routes in an emergency.
  • Conduct inspections of the smoke detectors within your residence.

Resident’s responsibilities

As a resident we expect that you will:

  • Make sure you are aware of the fire hazards in your home, and work to reduce the risk of fire.
  • Make sure everyone in the household knows what to do in the unlikely event of a fire. If you live in a property with internal communal areas we will inform you of the fire evacuation strategy and the evacuation procedure to follow in the event of a fire within the building.
  • In buildings with communal spaces you should refer to the Fire Action notices - usually found near fire exits including the front door.
  • Never have a barbecue on your balcony and ensure anything stored on the balcony is fireproof.
  • Clean the filters in your cooker hood regularly to prevent any build-up of grease and oil that could catch fire.
  • Read any information we send you about fire safety.
  • Test your smoke alarms regularly if this applies
  • Refrain from storing items in your own or any other service cupboard
  • Dispose of your rubbish in the designated bins appropriately.
  • Adhere to the council’s policy for the disposal of bulky waste items
  • Call us on 020 8215 3000 if you spot any fire safety issues, such as faulty fire doors or emergency lights, or if you see rubbish or other items stored in communal areas.
Fire safety FAQs

Fire safety FAQs

What can I do to prepare myself in case of a fire?

Be aware of the fire strategy if you live in a property with internal communal areas. You can also request specific advice from London Fire Brigade.

Reducing the risk of fire: In the Kitchen

  • Keep tea towels and cloths away from the cooker and hob.
  • Use a spark device to light a gas cooker. They are safer than matches or lighters because they don’t have a naked flame.
  • Take extra care if you need to leave the kitchen while cooking, take pans off the heat or turn them down.
  • Double check the cooker is off when you’ve finished cooking.
  • Avoid cooking when under the influence of alcohol or drugs.

Reducing the risk of fire: Electrical Items

  • Keep electrics (leads and appliances) away from water.
  • Use an adaptor when using a non-UK electrical appliance. Never put two prong plugs into three prong sockets.
  • Don’t use portable heaters for drying laundry. If this cannot be avoided, make sure that the heat source and clothing are kept at a safe distance.

Let us know immediately if you are concerned about the electrics in your property. For example, if you notice burn marks around plugs or cables.

An extension lead or adaptor will have a limit to how many amps it can take, most are 13 amps, so be careful not to overload them to reduce the risk of fire. Be particularly aware of electrical appliances that generate a lot of heat, these will need to be plugged into a socket by themselves, for example hair dryer or an iron.

Reducing the risk of fire: Around the house

  • Be careful with candles and tea lights. Avoid placing them on or near materials that could burn or catch fire – like curtains.
  • Keep matches and lighters out of children’s reach.
  • Never smoke in bed.
  • Never have a barbeque on your balcony if you have one.
  • Check to make sure that your furniture has the fire-resistant permanent label.