We take fire safety in our properties very seriously. Fire can cause serious injury and even death, as well as damage your home and personal possessions.
This page aims to provide you with general information on how you can stay safe from fire in your home and highlight our responsibilities to you.
Fire safety in your home
Most people know the basics of fire safety at home, such as not leaving cooking appliances unattended. However, here are a few more things you can do around the home to prevent a fire.
In the kitchen
- Don’t leave pans unattended
- Take care if wearing loose clothing
- Keep the oven, hob and cooker clean and free from grease
- Once you have finished, check that appliances are turned off
- Avoid leaving children alone in the kitchen
- Don’t cook if you are under the influence of alcohol or drugs
- Remember to close your kitchen door at night when you go to bed or if you are leaving your home
Electrics
- Make sure electrical appliances are kept in good working order and do not use them if there are any signs of damage or loose wiring
- Unplug appliances before going to bed or when you are not using them
- When changing a fuse, make sure you use the right one to prevent overheating
- Don’t overload sockets, avoid the use of electrical extension leads where possible and always make sure that they are to the correct British Standard
- Keep portable heaters clear from flammable materials – don’t dry clothes over them
- Turn off electrical appliances before bed
Smoking
- Never smoke in bed
- Make sure cigarettes and other smoking materials are fully out before disposing of them
- Always use an ashtray and put it on a non-flammable surface at night
- Don’t leave lit cigarettes unattended
- Keep matches and lighters out of the reach of children
- Where possible cigarette lighters should be filled outside
You can read further advise about fire safety in the home here.
What to do in the event of a fire?
If there’s a fire in your house or bungalow, you need to act quickly. Make sure you are prepared and follow these simple steps:
- Plan your escape and make sure everyone knows the routine
- Keep your exit routes clear so you can escape easily
- If doors and windows can be locked, make sure keys are easily accessible
- Don’t tackle the fire yourself
- Get out if it is safe to do so and leave your possessions behind
- Close the doors behind you
- Keep low – smoke rises and the air at a low level will be clearer
- Dial 999 to report the fire
- Stay out of your building until the Fire Brigade says it is safe to return
- If your escape route is blocked, head to a room with a window, close the door and use blankets or bedding to stop smoke getting under the door, and call 999 or, if you haven’t got a phone, shout out of the window
If you live in an apartment, please follow the instructions on the Fire Action signage in communal areas of your building.
Important warnings
*Emollient cream warning. While emollient creams are not directly flammable, when they soak into clothes and bedding, they can act as an accelerant. Find out more here.
* Tumble dryer warning. If you have a tumble dryer in your home, you could be at a fire risk. There are a number of Indesit, Hotpoint, Swan, Creda and Proline dryers that are being recalled due to a possible fire risk. Find out more here.
Our responsibility for fire safety
As your landlord it is our duty to make sure that all our properties are compliant with current Fire Safety Standards. To do this, we:
- Employ contractors to carry out regular gas, electrical and fire safety system checks in your home
- Provide tailored fire safety measures for vulnerable customers
- We will advise you of how to arrange a home fire safety visit from your local Fire and Rescue Service
For any questions about fire safety in your Onward home, or if you’re worried about your fire door, call us on 0300 555 0600.
Fire safety information