Communal Fire Safety & Fire Doors
Why is fire safety in communal areas so important?
As a resident, there are things you should do to keep yourself and others safe - the most important of which is preventing fires from starting in the first place. It is also important to ensure that everyone in your household is aware of the fire safety procedure in your block. The latest information for your block can be found by scanning the QR Code within the notice board and selecting ‘ Important Fire Safety Information for Residents’. Residents should help to keep escape routes clear and safe by:
- Not obstructing the communal areas, which often form the fire escape route for the block.
- Not propping open fire doors in communal areas.
- Not cluttering the stairs, corridors and landings with personal items or things that can set fire easily.
- Not storing prams, bicycles or mobility scooters in communal areas.
- Not storing combustible materials in cupboards that have electrical circuits.
- Telling your Housing Solutions if you see anything in the communal areas that does not belong there - or remove it.
- Putting all rubbish in the bins provided — do not leave it lying around in the bin store area.
- Ensuring the self-closing device on your own front door works – your door should close automatically.
Plan your escape
A planned and practised escape plan is very important - find out how to plan your escape. https://www.rbfrs.co.uk/your-safety/safety-at-home/making-an-escape-plan/ You should know how you will escape both your flat and the building.
If you, or anyone you live with, might find it difficult to escape in an emergency please contact Housing Solutions https://www.housingsolutions.co.uk/repairs-maintenance/fire-safety/
The National Fire Chiefs Council (NFCC) have developed a free online home fire safety check, https://www.safelincs.co.uk/hfsc/?cookies=accepted . This will help create a personal action plan for you in your home.
Why are fire doors so important?
Fire doors prevent the spread of fire and smoke in the event of a fire, for a period of time. This gives you time to escape. If a fire breaks out, a fire door can save your life, but only if it is working properly.
Fire doors should bever be propped open. This includes the front entrance door to flats. The self-closing device is designed to keep you safe. Never tamper with it or remove it. Do not attach any decorations to a fire door with pins, nails or over the door hangers as this can affect the fire door’s function
The British Woodworking Federation have provided further information on the importance of fire doors and the role the play in the block. Please see further information. http://fdsw.soap-media.co.uk/app/uploads/2020/07/10-top-tips-for-fire-doors-in-flats_web-1-1.pdf
If you notice a issue with your fire door, a communal fire door within your block please contact us on 01628 543101 and we will arrange for a repair to be completed.
We will inspect you fire door at regular intervals, please find a link to the video on the checks we will complete as part of the visit. https://www.housingsolutions.co.uk/repairs-maintenance/safe-in-your-place/siyp-march-2023-fire-door-safety/
