We have produced the following information for council tenants on how to reduce the risk of fires in your home, including advice for high-rise residents.
General fire safety advice
Do:
- keep fire doors closed when they are not in use
- close your internal doors when you go to bed
- keep aerosols in a cool, dry place - heat can cause an aerosol can to burst
- keep candles in a proper holder and away from materials that may catch fire, like curtains
- put candles out properly when you leave the room
- check that your furniture has a fire-resistant permanent label
- secure portable heaters against a wall to stop them falling over
- keep portable heaters away from curtains and furniture
- report any fault or damage to your flat entrance door for high-rise tenants
Do not:
- prop or wedge communal doors open
- spray aerosols near a naked flame
- smoke when you are using an aerosol or just afterwards
- leave candles or tea lights unattended
- leave children alone with lit candles
- use portable heaters to dry clothes
- tamper with or alter any of the flat entrance door fittings for high-rise tenants
Kitchen safety
To reduce the risk of fires in the kitchen:
- take pans off the heat or turn them down if you need to leave the kitchen while cooking
- make sure saucepan handles don't stick out to avoid knocking them off the stove
- take care if you are wearing loose clothing, it can easily catch fire
- keep tea towels away from the cooker and hob
- use spark devices to light gas cookers rather than matches or lighters, they are safer than a naked flame
- make sure the cooker is off when you've finished cooking
- keep electrics away from water
- check toasters are clean and placed away from curtains and kitchen rolls
- keep the oven, hob and grill clean - a build-up of grease can cause a fire
- don't put anything metal in the microwave
Avoid leaving children in the kitchen alone when cooking on the hob. Keep matches and sauce pan handles out of their reach to keep them safe.
Deep fat frying
If you use a deep fat fryer:
- take care when cooking with hot oil - it sets alight easily
- make sure food is dry before putting it in hot oil so it doesn’t splash
- if the oil starts to smoke, it’s too hot - turn off the heat and leave it to cool
- use a thermostat controlled electric deep fat fryer - they can’t overheat
Cigarettes
If you smoke inside your home, make sure you:
- stub cigarettes out properly and dispose of them carefully - do not put them directly into a bin
- never smoke in bed
- use a proper ashtray made of a material that won't burn
- don’t leave a lit cigarette, cigar or pipe lying around
- keep matches and lighters out of children’s reach - consider buying child resistant lighters and match boxes
- don’t leave e-cigarettes to charge overnight and only use the charger and parts that were originally supplied
- don’t carry loose spare batteries in your pocket
Electrics
Avoid electrical fires by:
- keeping appliances clean and in good working order
- checking that you use the right fuse to prevent overheating
- making sure an electrical appliance has a British or European safety mark when you buy it
- keeping to one plug per socket, especially for high powered appliances such as washing machines
- being careful not to overload extension leads or adaptors, which have a limit to how many amps they can take
- checking and replacing old cables and leads
- unplugging appliances when you're not using them
Check regularly for signs of dangerous or loose wiring, such as:
- scorch marks
- hot plugs and sockets
- fuses that blow
- circuit-breakers that trip for no obvious reasons
- flickering lights
Electric blankets
If you use an electric blanket:
- store it flat, rolled up or loosely folded to prevent damage to the internal wiring
- unplug it before you get into bed, unless it has a thermostat control for safe all-night use
- don't buy second hand blankets if possible
- check regularly for wear and tear
Smoke alarms
Smoke alarms are the best and easiest way to alert you to the danger of fire, giving you and your family precious time to escape.
We recommend testing these on a weekly basis and it’s easy to do. Simply press and hold the ‘test’ button on the unit for up to 10 seconds until the smoke detector begins to sound.
Need a smoke alarm testing reminder?
Safelincs have created a free reminder service for smoke detector testing. They will send you either a SMS text message or email to remind you to test your alarm. This service is free and can be cancelled at any time. To register for this service please visit the Safelincs website.
High-rise flats
There are some simple fire safety steps you can take if you live in a high rise flat.
Flat entrance fire doors
High-rise flats have a fire-resistant fire door fitted to the entrance. This is required by law and has the following features:
- a self-closer
- fire resistant door viewer
- fire resistant letter box assembly
- intumescent seals to door frame (seals that swell if heated to prevent fire spread)
- smoke seals to door frame
- all hardware including hinges and handles are fire resistant
- thumb turn lock
You must never tamper with or alter any of the fittings. These doors are there to protect you within the block.
Any fault or damage to the door needs to be reported by calling 01865 249811 and asking for an emergency repair.
We will inspect flat entrance fire doors from both sides, inside and outside. Notice of the dates of inspection will be given in advance.
These inspections are a requirement of new laws and are for your safety. Residents, leaseholders and their tenants must allow access for inspections.
Communal areas, landings and enclosed balconies
Don't keep combustible items such as artificial flowers, furniture, rubbish bins and books on enclosed balconies or communal areas, including landings and lobbies.
Barbecues, wood burners and candles are not permitted on enclosed balconies.
Any combustible items found in communal areas will be removed and disposed of.
Rubbish chutes and waste
Fires caused by rubbish or waste which has been incorrectly disposed of are very common. To prevent fires, make sure you:
- put your waste in small bags and put the bags down the chute
- don't put loose boxes down the chute
- don't force bags down the chute
- don't leave bulky furniture on the landings
- don't dispose of hazardous or toxic materials down the chute
- don't dispose of batteries or item containing batteries down the chute
- don't dispose of ashes, cigarettes or e-cigarettes down the chute
Sprinklers
To make sure your sprinklers work properly:
- never paint a sprinkler head or cover plate
- never paint any exposed pipework
- never hang anything from a sprinkler head or pipework
- never obstruct or damage or attempt removal of a sprinkler head
Never use a wallpaper or paint stripper near a sprinkler head, as these will set off the sprinklers.
Being prepared
Escaping from a fire is a lot easier if you have planned an escape route. Make an escape plan - if a fire occurs in your home and the power fails, you will have to get out in dark and smoky conditions.
Always ensure that you keep your escape route clear, it will usually be your normal way in and out but an obstruction could be life threatening if there is a fire.
If you live in a shared building, make sure you report any rubbish left in hallways or staircases.
Bedtime checklist
- close inside doors at night to stop a fire from spreading
- turn off and unplug electrical appliances that aren't in use
- check your cooker is turned off
- don’t leave the washing machine on
- turn heaters off and put up fire guards
- put any candles or cigarettes out properly
- make sure exits are kept clear
- keep door and window keys where everyone can find them
More information
More information on keeping safe within your home is available on the 365 Alive website.
If you are vulnerable or know someone who may be vulnerable please contact Oxfordshire Fire and Rescue Service for a free Safe and Well visit. During the visit, they will give you advice to reduce the risk of a fire happening in your home and discuss a fire escape plan.
