Sunny days and barbecue season are here, but how fire safety aware are you? | Tenant news

Summer is here, and it’s the perfect time to fire up the barbecue (BBQ) enjoy the sunshine and spend quality time outdoors with friends and family.

And with the warmer weather and more reasons to cook outdoors, it’s also important to know about fire safety.

Barbecue equipment

While BBQs can be great fun, if not handled properly, they can pose a serious fire risk. To ensure that’s not the case in your home and community:

• Always use your BBQ in a well-ventilated outdoor area, never indoors or on a balcony.
• Make sure your BBQ is placed on a flat, stable surface, well away from sheds, fences, trees, or anything else that could catch fire (including grass).
• Never leave a lit BBQ unattended.
• Keep children, pets, and anything flammable well away while cooking.
• If you're using a gas BBQ, check the hose and connections for leaks before use. If you smell gas or suspect a leak, don't light it.
• Let charcoal cool completely before disposing of it and never put hot coals in the bin.

Disposable BBQs

If you’re using a disposable BBQ don’t place it directly on grass because it can cause fires or damage the grass due to its heat and smouldering embers. 

It's important to ensure disposable BBQs are placed on a non-flammable, stable surface like bricks or concrete.

Don’t leave them unattended – especially if you have small children and pets around. And, before throwing them into the bin, allow them to cool down then place them in water to ensure all flames are out.

Fire doors and alarms

Fire doors and smoke alarms play a vital role in keeping you safe all year round.

It’s important not to wedge fire doors open for ventilation, even if the weather is mild, as doing that can compromise your safety in the event of a fire.

Now is also a good time to test your smoke alarms, especially if you’re cooking more often or having guests stay over.

If your alarms need new batteries or you’ve noticed any damage to your fire doors, please contact our Customer Services Team at Habinteg Direct on 0300 365 3100 or direct@habinteg.org.uk.

Outdoor and communal areas

As more tenants start making use of outdoor spaces, it is important to keep shared areas safe and easy to move through.

Communal areas like stairwells and walkways must be kept clear at all times. Please don’t leave BBQs, garden furniture or personal items where they could block escape routes or create a fire risk.

Communal balconies and walkways should not be used for cooking or for lighting candles or torches. Those areas are not designed for that.

Candles, lanterns, and fire pits

If you’re using outdoor lighting in the summer, it’s important to use them safely.

Never leave candles, lanterns or fire pits unattended. Always place them on a flat, fire-resistant surface, away from anything that could catch fire.

Avoid using flammable liquids to get fires going, stick to firelighters or kindling instead to stay safe.

Escape plan

With visitors coming and going throughout the summer, it’s a good idea to make sure everyone knows what to do in the event of a fire.

Check that escape routes are clear, keys to windows and doors are easy to access, and guests know where to go in an emergency.

For more fire safety advice, visit our fire safety page.

And remember, your local Fire Brigade offers free home fire safety visits all year round. Get in touch with them for more support.

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