Your safety matters
We want you to feel safe and supported in your home. Fires can happen quickly and may feel frightening or overwhelming. This guidance is here to help you feel more prepared and confident about what to do to stay safe.
Simple steps to help keep yourself safe
You don’t have to do everything at once—small steps can make a big difference. Keep scrolling to find out more.
Smoke Alarms
If you have a smoke alarm fitted in your home:
- Test your alarm weekly if you can by pressing the test button.
- If it doesn’t work, changing the batteries may help.
- If you’re unsure or need support, you can contact us.
If you do not have a smoke alarm fitted in your home, please contact us.
Kitchen Safety
Here are some tips for cooking safely at home:
- Try to stay nearby while cooking when possible.
- Avoid saucepan handles from sticking out – so they don’t get knocked off.
- Keep items like cloths, tea towels or paper away from heat.
- Don’t leave children in the kitchen alone.
- Keep the cooking area clear and clean, i.e. don’t store items right next to the oven or hob.
- Turning appliances off after use can reduce risk.
Electrical safety
- Turn off appliances at night where possible.
- Keep electrical appliances and their leads away from water.
- Watch for warning signs like heat, burning smells or damaged wires.
- Don’t overload extension plugs or boards.
- If something doesn’t feel right, contact us—we’re here to help.
Candle safety
- Secure candles in a proper holder and away from materials that may catch fire, like curtains.
- Put candles out when you leave the room and make sure they are completely put out at night.
- Do not leave children alone with lit candles.
- Keep pets away from candles.
Smoking safety
- Use a non-flammable ashtray (glass, metal or ceramic).
- Make sure cigarettes are fully out before carefully disposing.
- Avoid smoking in bed, especially if tired.
- Keep matches and lighters out of children’s reach.
- Avoid leaving a lit cigarette, cigar or pipe lying around, in case they fall and start a fire.
Communal Properties
If you live in a multi-occupied residential building please ensure you are aware of the fire evacuation strategy for your home and let us know if you would like this information to be communicated again.
We also reduce risk by:
- Regularly assessing fire safety risks in buildings and shared spaces and address any concerns as quickly as possible.
- Ensure fire detection systems in buildings are maintained in line with legal requirements.
- Provide clear emergency exit signage where needed to help guide you to safety.
Keep shared spaces clear
- Clear walkways help everyone leave safely if needed.
- Avoid leaving items in communal areas.
Fire door safety
- Keep fire doors free from obstructions - keep fire doors shut when not in use as a fire door only works when it is closed.
- Fire doors should close fully on their own. Please do not adjust or prevent the self-closing device from working.
- Report any fault or damage immediately.
A gentle bedtime safety routine
If it feels manageable, these small checks before bed can help reduce risk:
- Close internal doors to slow the spread of smoke.
- Turn off appliances that don’t need to stay on.
- Avoid running washing machines or dryers overnight.
- Avoid charging devices overnight where possible.
- Check cookers and heaters are switched off.
- Put out candles or incense safely.
- Make sure exits are clear and keys are easy to find.
- Place door and window keys in a place where everyone in the household can find them, but out of reach of any letterbox or opening.
If a fire happens and you cannot leave:
It is important that you know what to do if there is a fire and how you can remain safe if leaving the property safely isn’t possible:
- Move everyone to one room, ideally with a window.
- Take a phone if you can.
- Block gaps around the door with towels or clothing to keep smoke out.
- Call 999.
- Open the window and call for help.
- Stay where you can get fresh air and be seen.
Support and advice:
It’s completely normal to feel unsure or worried about fire safety. If you have any concerns, questions, or need support putting any of this in place, please contact us. We’re here to help you in a way that feels manageable and supportive.
You can also visit gov.uk for fire safety advice for different groups of people inside and outside the home. There is also a published leaflet.
Another useful website is ohfsc.co.uk
What we do:
Find out more about our responsibilities in our Fire Safety Policy.
