Fire safety at home keeping you and your neighbours safe | Tenant news

Most people never expect a fire to happen where they live, but a recent fire in one of our homes shows why it's so important to be prepared. 

Thankfully, no one was seriously hurt in the fire, but the outcome could have been very different. Fires can spread in minutes (this was the case in the images below) putting your life, your family's lives and your neighbours' lives at risk.

That's why we ask that you, and all tenants in Habinteg’s communities, do your bit to help prevent fires and know what to do if an emergency happens.

Mark Grundy, Head of Corporate Health & Safety, said: “The recent fire, is a reminder of how important it is that everyone thinks about fire safety at home especially during periods of hot, dry weather.

“Habinteg has measures in place to help keep tenants safe, but everyone has a part to play. Checking your smoke alarms, keeping escape routes clear and reporting any concerns can help protect you and your neighbours. With children spending more time at home during the school holidays, it's also important to supervise younger children and keep matches, lighters and other fire hazards out of reach.”

Smoke alarms

One of the most important things to check is that smoke alarms in your home are working properly. Test them at least once a month and never remove the batteries or cover them up.

If an alarm is missing, damaged or not working, contact Habinteg Direct on 0300 365 3100 so it can be repaired or replaced as soon as possible.

Kitchen safety

Cooking is one of the biggest causes of house fires, so never leave food cooking unattended.

You should always keep tea towels, paper, packaging and anything else that can catch fire away from the hob, and switch appliances off when you've finished using them.

If a pan catches fire, don't use water to put it out. Leave the room if it's safe to do so, close the door behind you and call 999.

Electrical safety

Using electrical equipment safely can help prevent fires. Avoid plugging too many appliances into one socket or extension lead and always use appliances according to the manufacturer's instructions. Unplug chargers and appliances when they're no longer needed, if you can.

Take extra care with portable heaters too. Keep them well away from curtains, bedding and furniture, and never dry clothes directly on them.

If you notice damaged sockets, switches or wiring, or you have concerns about your boiler, heating system or gas appliances, report them to Habinteg as soon as possible.

Know your escape routes

If a fire should break out, you need to get out as quickly and safely as possible.

Make sure you know your escape route and keep hallways, stairs and exits clear. Don’t leave things like bikes, prams, boxes or rubbish where they could get in the way.

It's also worth keeping your door and window keys in a specific place that’s easy to get to, so you don't waste valuable time looking for them.

Your responsibility

Everyone has a role in helping to prevent fires and making sure their home is safe.

Following your building’s fire safety guidance and reporting anything that could increase the risk of fire can help protect you and your neighbours. This includes taking c

are when using items that could cause a fire, such as candles, cigarettes and heaters.

If a fire does happen, don’t put yourself or anyone else at risk by trying to tackle it unless it’s safe and you’ve been trained to do so. Your first priority should always be to get out, stay out and call 999.

If you would like specific fire safety information about the house or flat you live in, please contact Habinteg Direct on 0300 365 3100.

Learn more about fire safety on our website at www.habinteg.org.uk/fire.

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