Fire safety in your flat

If a fire starts in another part of the building

Follow the advice on the fire evacuation notice(s) which are displayed within the communal areas. These are usually near exit doors and/or on noticeboards.

Make sure you read the notice(s) and make sure you and those you live with are familiar with it.

You must all also know the fire exit routes from the building.

DON'T ATTEMPT TO FIGHT THE FIRE

DON'T RE-ENTER the building until you're told it's safe to do so by the Fire and Rescue Service.

What should I be doing to make sure my family is safe?

• Test all your smoke alarms once a month and report any faults. 
• Discuss the evacuation plan with your family so everyone is clear what to do. 
• Keep your escape routes clear – keep keys near the front door. 
• Have a simple bedtime routine. Close all internal doors and unplug electrical items that you're not using. If you smoke, make sure cigarettes are put out properly and don't leave e-cigarettes or vape batteries on charge.
• Take care with candles and tea lights. NEVER place them on televisions, plastic surfaces or near to soft furnishings/curtains. 
• Keep your grill and oven clean from grease as this can easily catch fire. 
• Take care when cooking and NEVER leave cooking unattended. 
• Don't leave your washing machine, dishwasher or tumble dryer on a cycle and go out. More fires are being caused by these appliances.
• Use the correct charger for your mobile phone and don't charge it overnight. Overheating batteries can catch fire.
• Don't overload electrical sockets. Remember, one socket = one plug.
• NEVER store or leave pushchairs, bicycles, mobility scooters, refuse or children’s toys in corridors or on landings – these are fire escape routes. 

Fire door checks

Fire doors are critical in preventing the spread of fire and smoke. It should be everybody's responsibility in a shared building to make sure they're fit for purpose.

You shouldn't alter the fire door and frame in any way, such as attaching a doorbell or screw numbers into it.

For more information on fire door safety, please visit our fire door safety page.