The best way to avoid a fire is to ensure that fire prevention measures in your home and in your block are effective. We are here to help with this.
There are simple steps you can take to make your home safer.
Cooking
Do not leave your cooking unattended and do not use cooking appliances underneath wall-mounted units.
Use oven-cooked foods instead of deep-fat frying yourself, where possible.
Turn off all cooking appliances when not in use.
Keep towels, oven gloves, packaging, and other items away from hobs.
Keep combustible materials away from toasters. Combustible means able to catch fire and burn easily.
If cooking with a microwave oven always read the instruction manual and safety advice.
Be aware of items not to be placed in microwave ovens such as tin foil.
Avoid placing items on top of the microwave ventilation slots as they control the heat inside.
Do not attempt to return to your property for whatever reason until the London Fire Brigade has confirmed it is safe to do so.
Electrical equipment
Do not overload extension leads by plugging in too many power heavy devices.
Make sure that plugs are plugged in firmly.
Do not use damaged equipment or damaged cables. Get them repaired by a professional.
Keep combustible materials such as paints and oils away from socket points and cables. Ideally, these should be stored in a locked cupboard.
Check the government website that your white goods are safe and not subject to a product recall.
You can report faulty large electrical appliances (for example fridge freezers and tumble dryers) to the Fire Safety Team or discuss replacement items free of charge under the Fire Safety Plus scheme.
Contact the team:
Rechargeable lithium battery devices
Never leave your electrical device charging unattended or whilst you are asleep.
Do not attempt to modify or tamper with the battery, always follow manufacturer's instruction manual.
Do not convert pedal bikes into e-bikes using kits available online, these can be very dangerous.
Never block your escape route (way to get out of your home) with an e-bike or scooter. Charge it in an unoccupied room with the door closed if indoors
Do not use a non-branded charger or make repairs to your device yourself.
Be aware when your equipment is beyond safe use:
- gets very hot to touch
- appears damaged in any way
- gives off smoke or a bad smell
Dispose of unsafe equipment immediately at approved locations.
Heaters
If you choose to use a portable heater, make sure it is never located near to furniture, clothing or other combustible materials.
Choose a portable heater that is safe – do not use radiant bar heaters. Oil-filled radiator heaters are a safer option.
Calor gas and paraffin heaters are dangerous and not permitted to be used in your homes.
Candles and incense sticks
Never leave candles burning unattended, or without a heat-resistant holder or place mat.
Make sure they are a safe distance from curtains, furniture or other combustible materials, and that you fully extinguish them after use.
Smoking
Smoking is the most common cause of fire fatalities. We advise you not to smoke in your home.
If you choose to smoke in your home, make sure that you fully extinguish your cigarette in an ashtray that can't tip over.
Empty your ashtray regularly.
Do not dispose of your cigarette out of a window or off your balcony. You can cause a grass fire by doing this.
Avoid smoking in bed.
Smoking is prohibited in all communal areas.
Balconies
Use of barbecues is not permitted.
Do not cook on your balcony.
Do not store combustible items or electrical equipment on your balcony.
Avoid storing bottles or mirrors; these can focus sunlight and start fires.
We strongly advise you to use metal or plastic furniture on your balconies. Avoid storing soft furnishings or any furniture on your balcony.
Take extra care if smoking on your balcony and do not dispose of cigarettes over the edge of your balcony.
Balcony walkways
Never store or leave items in the communal areas. These could cause obstructions and trip hazards, and be a fire hazard if they are combustible.
Do not dispose of or store items by your front door or beside the building.
Make sure flammable items are not left in communal areas.
If you have bulk items to dispose, or if anyone leaves anything in the common areas, please report it to your Estate Services Team so we can remove it for everyone's safety.
Contact the team:
Arson
Sadly, some fires are started deliberately and cause serious damage.
Be vigilant to anti-social behaviour and raise any concerns with your housing officer.
Be aware of people who follow you through communal entrance doors without using a key or fob.
Deliberate damage and setting of small fires can quickly escalate into a bigger emergency situation.
You can also contact the Law Enforcement Team on 020 8753 1100 and select option 3.