Fire and building safety

Information about how we manage Fire and building safety in our council properties. What we do and what we do and what you can do as a tenant.

Contents

Your responsibilities

We all have a role in keeping homes safe.

If there is a fire:

  • leave immediately and close the door behind you
  • warn others in your home
  • leave the building using the stairs
  • call 999 and give your full address and postcode

In blocks of flats, You must:

  • follow your building’s evacuation plan
  • keep corridors and stairways clear
  • not leave items in communal areas
  • allow access for safety checks and repairs

Know your escape plan

An escape plan could save your life in an emergency. In a smoky, scary atmosphere, it is easy to freeze, panic and become disorientated. By planning and practicing how you will escape with the whole family, you can be more confident about a safe escape.

Find out more about Evacuation plan for flats.

Building safety

You should:

  • report repairs and safety concerns straight away
  • allow access for inspections and work

If you do not give access, it could put you and others at risk.

Fire safety advice

  • when cooking: take care in the kitchen, most fires start here, so never leave your cooking unattended and take extra care with hot oil
  • be careful with candles, never leave lit candles unattended
  • be careful with cigarettes, make sure cigarettes are stubbed out and disposed of carefully and never smoke in bed
  •  do not overload electrical sockets
  • keep matches away from children
  • do not store flammable liquids such as petrol in your home, bin store or chutes
  • keep internal doors closed, when you go to bed, make sure that you’ve closed all the internal doors. This helps to slow the spread of fire  

London Fire Brigade home fire safety checker 

The London Fire Brigade has an online tool that allows you to carry out a thorough check of your home in only a few minutes. It’s free, simple and practical – giving you specific advice for your family and your home.

London Fire Brigade Home Fire Safety Checker