Cloud Search Menu Plus Minus

Home Fire Safety

Search

Our Responsibilities

To help keep you safe we will inspect and service your gas appliances and test your smoke alarm and any heat detectors annually.  We will also inspect the electrical installation in your home every five years.

We have responsibility to keep the communal areas of flats free from stored items that may prevent a safe evacuation or add to the fire loading of the building (see Fire Safety in Flats)

Top Tips for Fire Safety in the Home

  • Smoke Alarms
    • If your smoke alarm gets damaged, or for any other reason you suspect it is faulty, please contact Trent & Dove immediately.
  • Kitchen
    • Take pans of the heat or turn the heat down if you need to leave the kitchen while cooking.
    • Avoid having saucepan handles sticking out to stop them from being knocked off the stove.
    • Be careful if wearing loose clothing while cooking as it can catch fire easily.
    • Make sure that tea towels and cloths are kept away from the cooker and hob.
    • Use spark devices to light gas cookers, so that there is no naked flame.
    • Make sure the cooker is turned off once you have finished cooking.
    • Keep electrical appliances and leads away from water.
    • Make sure that toasters are clean and placed away from flammable materials.
    • Make sure that the oven, hob and grill are kept clean and in good working order. Do not put any metal items in the microwave. Be careful if cooking with hot oil as it sets alight easily.
    • Make sure food is dry before putting in hot oil so that it doesn’t spit.
    • Oil starts to smoke if it is too hot – turn of the heat and let it cool.
    • If possible use a thermostatically controlled electric deep fat fryer to remove the risk of overheating.
    • If the pan catches fire, turn off the heat if it is safe to do so. Do not throw water over it.
    • Do not tackle the fire – get out, closing all doors behind you, stay out and call 999.
  • Electrics
    • Check that the right fuse is being used to prevent overheating.
    • Make sure that a British or European safety mark is present when buying an electrical appliance.
    • High powered appliances, such as washing machines should have a single plug socket to themselves.
    • Where possible keep to one plug per socket – do not overload extension leads and adapters.
    • Keep electrical appliances clean and in good working order to prevent them triggering a fire.
    • Check your appliances for obvious signs of damage or deterioration, such as loose wiring, scorch marks, hot plugs or sockets, fuses that blow or circuit breakers that trip for no obvious reason or flickering lights.
    • Check all cables especially those that are hidden from view and replace if damage is visible.
    • Unplug appliances when they are not in use or when you go to bed.
  • Furniture
    • All furniture must be fire resistant – check for a fire–resistant label, particularly if buying second hand furniture.
  • Electric Blankets
    • Store electric blankets in a flat or rolled up position. Folding them may cause damage.
    • If your electric blanket does not have a thermostatic control for safe all-night use, unplug your blanket before you get into bed.
    • Do not buy second hand electric blankets
    • Check electric blankets regularly for wear and tear.
  • Portable Heaters
    • Where possible secure heaters up against a wall to prevent them from falling over.
    • Keep them away from curtains or other soft furnishings and never use them for drying clothes.
  • Cigarettes
    • Make sure that cigarettes are stubbed out and disposed of correctly.
    • Never smoke in bed
    • Use an ashtray that is made from material that won’t burn and make sure that it can’t tip over.
    • Don’t leave a lit cigarette, cigar or pipe lying around – they can easily fall over and start a fire.
    • Extra care must be taken if you smoke when you’re feeling tired, taking prescription drugs, or if you’ve been drinking. There is a risk that you could fall asleep and set your bed or sofa on fire.
    • Keep matches and lighters out of children’s reach.
    • Consider buying child resistant lighters and match boxes.
  • Candles
    • Make sure that candles are secured in a proper holder away from materials that can catch fire.
    • Extinguish candles must be extinguished when you leave a room and double check before you go to bed.
    • Don’t leave children alone with candles.
  • What to do if there is a fire
    • Don’t tackle fires yourself. Leave it to the professionals.
    • If a fire starts in your home, keep calm and act quickly to get everyone to a safe area as soon as possible. Close doors and windows as you leave if safe to do so.
    • Don’t waste time investigating what has happened or rescuing valuables.
    • If there is smoke, keep low where the air is clearer.
    • Before opening a door check to see if it is warm – if it is, fire may be on the other side.
    • Call 999 as soon as you are clear of the building.
  • What to do if your clothes catch fire
    • Don’t run around, you’ll make the flames worse.
    • Lie down and roll around. – it makes it harder for the fire to spread.
    • Smother the flames with a heavy material, like a coat or blanket.
    • Remember - ‘Stop, Drop and Roll’.

 

Search
Give feedback
  • Text size
  • Choose language
  • Close