Fire & Safety

Fire & Safety

I write to update you on general Fire safety especially at this time of the year and explain how we can work together to keep safe and prevent fires in your home.

Smoking

Smoking is not allowed in communal areas. If you do smoke in your home, please make sure that you put your cigarettes out properly and dispose of them correctly. Smoking in bed is particularly risky and you should also consider the impact your smoking may have on your neighbours.

Plug sockets and air vents

If you need to use extra heating or cooling equipment during hot or cold spells, make sure not to overload plug sockets with fans, air condition units or heaters. If you are using this kind of equipment, do not cover vents to prevent overheating.

Candles

Candles, incense and oil burners are one of the biggest causes of fire within homes, especially during this time of the year.

 

  • Always keep an eye on these to keep you and your home safe.
  • Always use a heat resistant holder on a stable surface, which won’t be knocked over.
  • Keep these items away from materials that may catch fire such as curtains, furniture, clothes and hair.
  • Make sure you put out any candles, incense and oil burners when you leave the room and especially before bed.
  • Keep them out of reach of children.

White goods

If you think there may be a problem with your household appliances, always unplug them and contact the manufacturer and contact Mace Housing if the appliance was supplied by us.

 

It is also important to register your appliances when you buy them so that if there are any issues, the manufacturer can contact you.

 

Fire doors

Fire doors play an essential role in stopping fires from spreading and in keeping exit routes safe. Never wedge fire doors open as you will enable fire to spread and put yourself and other residents at risk.

Communal areas

Do not store or leave things in the communal areas. As well as providing extra fuel to help a fire spread, they can block exits and cause people to trip or fall if they are trying to escape from fire.

 

As a responsible Co-op, we will remove household items from corridors or flammable items from cupboards in communal hallways. If you have any items stored in this way, please remove them. This includes anything blocking an exit – such as bicycles, prams, mobility scooters and even shoes, which are all hazards during a fire. We have the full support of the fire service in tackling this problem and items left in communal areas is one of the most common fire risks identified by the Fire Brigade. If your neighbours are breaking this rule, please ask them politely to remove their stored items. If you feel uncomfortable about asking them, please let us know so that we can deal with it.

Gas safety

Gas safety is one of our number one concerns. Legally, we have to check all gas appliances in rented properties and issue a valid gas safety certificate every 12 months to ensure they are working safely.

 

Residents must give access into the property to carry out gas safety checks. We will check gas appliances and pipework (we do not check individual own appliances). If you refuse to give us access for gas safety checks, you will be in breach of your tenancy agreement and we may take legal action against you and you will have to pay any associated fees.

What you need to do on discovering a fire

  • Raise the alarm without delay.
  • Leave by the nearest fire exit taking any visitors with you. Do not delay your exit to collect belongings.
  • Close windows and doors behind you.
  • Do not use lifts.
  • Go immediately to the assembly area and ensure that you are accounted for.
  • Do not re-enter the building until all clear has been given.

General rule for fighting a fire

  • Always raise the alarm.
  • Only attempt to tackle a fire if you have received training in the safe operation of the fire fighting equipment and only if it is safe to do so.
  • Do not attempt to fight a fire that you have not previously sighted.
  • Do not use lifts.
  • Ensure you select the correct type of extinguisher. Do not fight a fire if you are unsure what is burning or if you have any doubts about using the equipment. Remember, fire extinguishers are intended for small fires in their early stages.
  • Always tackle the fire from the furthest distance possible and always keep a means of escape available to you. Never allow the fire to get between you and your means of escape.
  • If the fire continues to grow despite your efforts to extinguish it, or if it is becoming too hazardous to remain, abandon it.
  • Always report the outcome of your attempt immediately to the Designated Person.
  • Irrespective of the outcome, wherever possible close the door in the room.

How to use a fire blanket

It is VITAL that you know the correct way of using a Fire Blanket should you ever have to do so in an emergency at home.

 

  • Firstly, and most importantly turn off the gas or electricity supply.
  • Remove the fire blanket from its container and hold it by the fabric straps.
  • To prevent burns on the hands and arms, make you wrap the top edges of the blanket around your hands to protect them.
  • Roll up your sleeves so they do not catch in the flames.
  • Carefully cover the flames with the fire blanket, making sue that you cover the whole area so that you can effectively cut off the airflow and extinguish the flames.
  • However, if the fire is larger than the blanket, do not attempt to put it out. GET OUT and call the fire brigade immediately.
  • Do not touch the fire blanket or anything underneath it until at least an hour has passed since the fire was extinguished.

 

If you have any concerns about Fire safety at your home, please contact the Director of Operations Mr Felix Okene.