Fire safety – don’t let your life go up in smoke

Living in a high-rise block doesn’t mean you are at any more risk from fire, but you must consider your safety in the event of a fire, and the impact you could have on other residents.

Follow our tips below to keep safe and reduce any risk of fire destroying your life.

Keep your balcony clear

Recently we have noticed some tenants keeping combustibles on balconies such as gas canisters, petrol cans and barbecues. This is highly dangerous and in breach of your Tenancy Agreement. Please check your balcony and remove anything that could pose a fire risk, and also remember to keep the area clear of rubbish and clutter as this could be your escape route if there was a fire in your flat.

Check inside your home for fire hazards

There are lots of simple ways to reduce the risk of fire inside your home such as:

• Not overloading electric sockets
• Never leaving the cooker unattended while cooking
• Being careful not to light candles on unsafe surfaces or near fabric or papers
• Not smoking in bed.

Keep fire doors closed and report faults

Fire doors are an integral part of the fire safety of a whole block, and we have already invested £14 million replacing around 4,000 flat front doors and around 3,000 communal doors across the city. Please report any damage you notice to a fire door in your block and remember never alter or tamper with your front door and never prop open a fire door as this could put your life and others in danger. If you see anyone damaging a door please report this to your Local Housing Office.

Charge your devices safely

Nowadays most of us have devices that need charging, from mobiles and laptops to games consoles and e-bikes. But did you know that many house fires are caused by faulty lithium-ion batteries or electrical items overheating while on charge? Follow these top tips to avoid a disaster:

• Make sure you use the manufacturer’s approved cables and chargers as many fires involve counterfeit electrical goods. While genuine products and chargers may cost more, it’s not worth putting your life and home at risk by buying a fake to save a few pounds.
• Never leave electrical devices on charge overnight or when you are out.
• Never cover an electrical item while charging and always unplug when fully charged.
• Be careful not to charge small electrical items on soft furnishings like beds or sofas that could catch alight if the device overheats.
• If you have an e-bike or e-scooter it’s a good idea to install a heat detector in the area where it will be charged and make sure there are no combustible or flammable materials nearby. Remember, electric bikes or e-scooters cannot be stored in communal areas or on your balcony.
• Never throw damaged or old batteries in the household bin, instead take them to City Depot and Recycling Park in Millbrook, Southampton

We carry out regular fire inspections to keep you safe. The inspections take place every six months in high rise blocks and once a year in medium/low rise blocks. We will write to you before the inspectors visit your block. Please make sure you’re at home to let them in so we can check both sides of the front door are safe.

For any queries about fire safety please contact your Local Housing Office and check out Hampshire & Isle of Wight Fire & Rescue Service for lots more home safety tips and to find out if you’re eligible for a free Safe and Well visit.