False fire alarms waste time and resources

Our data shows that throughout the year Hampshire and Isle of Wight Fire and Rescue Service responded to several false alarms in council tower blocks, with over 40 of these in Shirley Towers alone. Many of these false call outs were because cigarette smoke in communal areas had activated the fire detectors.

It’s important to remember that you should never be afraid of raising the alarm and calling 999 if you believe there is an emergency incident. But, the majority of these callouts were caused by a fire alarm activating in error.

Since 2007, all internal communal areas of block of flats including entrances, walkways, lifts and stairwells must be smoke-free by law. This means that you and anyone who visits your block must put your cigarette out before you enter the building. If you do smoke inside the communal areas, you could be fined up to £200. Please help to prevent false fire alarms by not smoking in these communal areas.

If you have any concerns about fire safety please get in touch or use our online form to report concerns with a high rise building. You can also join a new residents building safety group that has been set up to give tenants and leaseholders who live in tower blocks more of a say in how your block is kept safe.

Check out the online free Home Fire Safety Check for useful advice on how to protect your family and your home.