Fire safety in your home

Fire prevention tips   

Cooking safety

Cooking is the number one cause of household fires and setting off the fire alarm. By following a few simple steps you can prevent a fire in your home and stop alarms going off unnecessarily:    

• Never leave a lit hob or oven unattended    
• Never cook when tired or under the influence of alcohol or medication that may cause drowsiness   
• Always keep flammable items such as tea towels away from the cooker    
• Always keep grill pans, cookers, toasters etc. clean and free from food remains, such as grease and crumbs   
• Always check the cooker is switched off when you have finished cooking   
• Always keep microwave vents free from obstruction and use it in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions   
• When using a BBQ, never leave it unattended and never BBQ on a balcony   
• Never use BBQs, camping stoves, or open flames indoors  
• If smoke from cooking has caused your fire detection to sound, but there is no fire, then open your windows and turn on any extraction fans in the kitchen. Do not use your flat entrance door to vent smoke, as this will activate the main building alarm and could call out the fire service.  

Fires can also occur when strong sunlight has been concentrated by glass goods or mirrors on windowsills. Please try to avoid placing these items in direct sunlight.   

Smoking materials, heating and candles   

If you smoke, please make sure you:   

• Use purpose made ashtrays, ideally covered, and never overfill  
• Always make sure cigarettes are extinguished  
• Always use fail safe lighters rather than matches   
• Never smoke in bed, or anywhere where you could fall asleep. Avoid smoking when you are tired, and never smoke while you are under the influence of alcohol or medication which may cause drowsiness   
• Ensure you follow all safety advice provided when using paraffin-based emollients and moisturisers   
• Electronic cigarettes must be supervised when charging due to the risk of overheating. Use a glass or ceramic bowl to charge and keep them in  
• Always keep balconies free from litter and combustible materials  
• We strongly discourage smoking on balconies due to the risk to properties below. Never put out cigarettes on the floor or drop ash or cigarette butts over the edge.  
• Keep portable heaters away from furniture, curtains, and bedding.  

We strongly discourage the use of candles (LED flameless candles are a safer option). However if they are used:   

• Never leave them burning when you go to sleep   
• Always put them out if you leave the room   
• Always use an appropriate candle holder   
• Always keep candles away from any flammable materials e.g. curtains.   

Keeping your home safe includes making sure electrical items are used and maintained properly. You can read more about this on our Electrical safety in your home resident guidance page. 

Scooters and fire safety  

If you own a mobility scooter it should be serviced regularly (in line with the manufacturer’s guidance) and stored in designated scooter stores or inside your home.  

Within communal storage areas, mobility scooters are only to be charged between the hours of 8am and 8pm. This is to reduce the risk of overcharging and a fire starting at night. Residents are advised to adopt the same approach within their own homes.

If your scooter has a removable battery, remove it every time you leave it unattended. This will reduce the risk of it setting fire.   

Never charge a scooter from an extension cable from your home. This is a fire hazard.