Fire prevention advice for council housing residents

There are many ways that residents can help to prevent fires in their homes.

Do not

• Smoke in bed or when you may doze off
• Dry or air clothes too close to heaters or fires
• Put portable heaters or lamps too near to furniture and curtains
• Wedge self-closing doors open; they should be kept closed to prevent fire and smoke spreading
• Use rooms as a store or workshop
• Pour water on electrical appliances or fires caused by electrical appliances or cooking oil
• Overload electrical sockets
• Sit too close to a fire or heater
• Block escape routes, including a secondary means of escape

Do

• Ensure you have working smoke alarms fitted and tested regularly
• Regularly check your appliances haven’t been recalled. If you own a product which has been recalled unplug it and stop using it immediately until it has been checked by the manufacturer or a qualified technician
• Close doors before you go out or go to bed
• Use appliances in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions
• Check plugs, leads and electrical equipment are well maintained and safe
• Put out cigarettes and candles properly
• Keep matches, lighters and candles out of reach of children
• Make an escape plan to ensure you know what to do in a fire
• Buy a fire blanket or domestic fire extinguisher
• Ensure furniture is fire safe
• Ensure all gas appliances are maintained at regular intervals by an engineer on the Gas Safe Register (if you are tenant the council will carry out an annual gas inspection)
• Keep door and window keys where you can find them quickly
• Familiarise yourself with the fire action plan. See the blue notice in your lobby.

Advice from the London Fire Brigade