Sprinklers are saving lives in Southampton

We have installed sprinklers into all our high-rise blocks and 10 supported housing schemes. The sprinklers have already supressed five flat fires before the fire service arrived, showing how crucial they are in saving lives and preventing the spread of fire. Over the next three years we will be installing the same life-saving sprinkler system into five storey blocks and the remaining supporting housing blocks.

Living in a flat doesn’t put you at any more risk of fire; it just means that you must consider your safety in the event of a fire and the impact you could have on other residents in the block. As we head into summer, it’s important you are aware of potential risks and that you know how to protect your family and property.

When the weather is warm it’s tempting to prop open doors to allow a breeze but fire doors must always be kept closed. Communal fire doors and your flat front door are designed to help prevent the spread of fire and smoke and allow people to escape the building safely. But these doors can only work properly if they are kept shut. So please do not disconnect or remove the door closer on your front door and if you see a communal fire door wedged open, please close it. If you notice a fault with a fire door, please report it immediately.

In summer it’s just as important to consider the risks of a fire breaking out on your balcony, as it could spread much faster than a fire inside your building. It’s important that you can enjoy your balcony safely, especially when the weather is nice, and generally, the less you have on your balcony the more fire safe you will be. So please keep the area clear of rubbish, never light a barbecue or store any combustible materials on your balcony and if you smoke on your balcony, make sure to always extinguish cigarettes fully.

You can find more useful fire safety tips online and did you know that Hampshire & Isle of Wight Fire & Rescue Service offer free Safe and Well visits to help older or vulnerable people protect themselves and their home from fire? Check online for more details and to book a free Safe and Well visit from a Fire Safety Officer.