Smoke alarm safety

  • Test your smoke alarm and carbon monoxide detector weekly by pressing the test button (use a broom handle if you can’t reach-avoid climbing on furniture). If the alarm doesn’t sound, replace the battery or, if it’s mains-powered, contact us immediately so we can fix it
  • If you are deaf or have hearing loss, your local authority may be able to provide a sensory alarm
  • All homes should have at least one smoke alarm fitted to each floor of your property
  • Don't paint over the alarm
Hand testing a smoke alarm

What you can do to keep your home safe

  • Don’t overload electrical sockets or extension leads
  • Regularly clean lint from your tumble dryer
  • Be careful in the kitchen, never leave cooking unattended, keep flammable items away from the hob or oven, and don’t place anything on top of the hob other than pots and pans
  • Keep furniture, curtains, and other materials away from heat sources like candles and radiators
  • Never leave candles unattended
  • If you smoke, stub out cigarettes fully and dispose of them safely
  • Have an escape plan- smoke can make it difficult to see, so plan your quickest exit in an emergency and practise it with your household
  • Keep keys near doors and windows (but out of reach from outside for security)
  • If a fire breaks out, call 999 immediately and follow the advice of the emergency services
AI Hob 1

Fire safety in shared areas

What we do in shared areas:

  • We carry out fire risk assessments
  • Check on fire safety equipment, such as smoke control systems
  • Inspect fire doors to ensure they provide the necessary protection
  • Provide clear fire evacuation procedures for your building

What you can do in shared areas:

  • Keep corridors and communal spaces clear- items left here can be a serious hazard and will be removed
  • Always keep fire doors closed, including your front door
  • Let us know if you would struggle to evacuate in an emergency, even if it’s only temporary

If you live in a high rise block, take a look at our customer engagement building safety strategy for customer in high rise blocks.

Mess In Hall

Safe and Well visits

Fire and rescue services offer free Safe and Well visits to help you reduce fire risks in your home. A firefighter can check and fit smoke alarms, help you create an escape plan, and offer health and wellbeing advice. Contact your local fire and rescue service for more information.

BBQ safety

  • Position your BBQ on level ground and keep it away from fences, sheds, trees, and anything that may catch fire
  • Never leave a BBQ unattended
  • Never use petrol or paraffin to start or revive a BBQ, use lighters or approved fire starter fuel
  • Have a bucket of water or sand nearby in case of fire
  • Ensure the BBQ is fully extinguished and cool before moving it
  • Empty ashes onto bare garden soil or a compost heap and never into a bin, as hot ash can cause fires
  • Do not bring BBQ embers or coals indoors