Council residents - Safety in your home

Your building has been designed and built with fire safety in mind. Both in single dwellings and blocks of flats, the walls, doors and stairs, are specially designed to resist fire and stop the spread of smoke. It is essential that these are properly maintained and not removed. When not in use the doors should be kept closed.

Outside the building, roads and other areas are designed so that emergency vehicles can get as near as possible. Never obstruct them.

You should be aware of the nearest public telephone close by where you can call the fire brigade.

Smoke alarms

• Buy an alarm which has the British Standard kite mark on it and meets BSS 5445 Part 1.
• Follow the maker's instructions when installing
• The best protection is obtained by fitting a smoke alarm in each room but not the kitchen or bathroom, and 
• Test the alarm every month by pressing the test button and change the battery as least once a year.

Smoke alarms are widely available from DIY stores, builders merchants, electrical and hardware shops as well as some garages and supermarkets. They cost about £5 each and are easy to install.The Fire Brigade are currently carrying out free home fire safety checks and they will also fit a free smoke alarm where needed. Call them free on 08000 28 44 28.

All Council tenants have been offered the opportunity to have smoke detectors installed free of charge and we are aware that a significant number have yet to take up that offer. If you would like more information about the scheme please contact your managing agent and arrangements can be made for an installation.

Security grilles

The fire brigade is opposed to security grilles as they delay access to homes in an emergency. The council has therefore put a ban on residents fitting a grille unless its fitting conforms to Building Regulations.

If you want to fit a security grille, or have already fitted one without the council's permission, contact your managing agent for further advice.