Fire safety advice
Important information about protecting your home from fire and what to do in the event of an emergency.
What should I do if there’s a fire in my home?
Alert everyone in your home that there is an emergency. Leave quickly, closing your doors behind you. Follow your evacuation plan.
If there is smoke, crawl along the floor where the air will be clearer. Never use the lift in the event of a fire.
Once you’re safely outside, phone 999 for the fire brigade.
Fire door safety and compliance
Fire doors and communal fire doors play a crucial role in preventing the spread of fire and smoke, keeping people safe, and protecting property. Here’s everything you need to know to ensure they function properly and meet safety standards.
Fire doors are in place to help keep you safe.
The door to your flat, including the door closer, is designed to resist the spread of fire for a minimum of 30 minutes.
Fire doors are a legal requirement for flats that open onto communal areas shared with other households. In blocks of flats, most fires occur within the flats themselves. When the front door to a flat is closed it prevents the spread of fire and smoke into the communal areas. This allows the fire to be contained temporarily and provides a crucial escape route.
Self-closing devices on doors help ensure that doors close on their own. This means you don't have to close them behind you. You and any guests should not interfere with self-closing devices.
Please report any doors that are broken as soon as you notice them.
Communal fire doors include:
- doors between corridors and stairways
- doors that sub-divide corridors
- doors to plant rooms, cupboards, and service risers
Fire doors in communal areas help prevent smoke from spreading to other areas. Wedging them open is illegal, and if this is done they won't stop fire and smoke from spreading.
Please make sure you keep communal doors shut when not in use.
If you notice any fire doors that need to be repaired or replaced, please contact us.
Electrical appliance safety
Many people use electrical appliances (like washing machines and tumble dryers) at night, because of cheaper energy tariffs. This shouldn’t be a safety risk however, emergency services tell us that fires at night are more likely to cause serious injury.
Because of this it's important to make regular safety checks on all of your appliances, and take a look at the National Product Recall Register.
Convection heaters
Know your building’s evacuation strategy
If you live in a residential block, you should know your building’s evacuation strategy. This is what you do if a fire happens in your building. Everyone who lives in your home should know the evacuation strategy and your quickest, safest route out of the building.
There are two types of evacuation strategy: 'stay put' or 'simultaneous evacuation'. A sign by the front entrance of your block will explain which type of strategy is used in your building. This information is also shared when you move in.
The 'stay put' strategy means that if there is a fire elsewhere in your building, you’re usually safer staying in your flat with the doors and windows closed.
Important: if your flat is affected by fire or smoke, leave immediately, closing the door behind you. Once you’re safely outside, phone 999 for the fire brigade.
The 'simultaneous evacuation' strategy means if you hear a fire alarm in your flat and throughout the building – or you know there is a fire in the building – you should follow your evacuation strategy and leave by the quickest and safest route. Don't re-enter until you're told by the fire rescue service that it is safe to do so.
Most of our blocks have 'stay-put' strategy, which means they don’t have communal fire alarms. This follows fire brigade recommendations. In a building with a stay-put strategy, a communal alarm system can be confusing and cause residents to mass evacuate. This can be dangerous and stop firefighters from reaching the fire.
Fire safety tips
Fire safety is essential for protecting your home, workplace, and loved ones. By staying informed and prepared, you can reduce the risk of fires and respond effectively in case of an emergency. Here are some key fire safety tips to help you stay safe and secure.
Don’t take the batteries out of your detector: If it goes off accidentally you may need to open the window to ventilate, however you can silence it by pressing the test button for 3-5 seconds.
Check your smoke detector weekly by pressing the test button for 3-5 seconds (if you cannot reach you can use a wooden spoon or broom handle). If your detector does not sound it may just be a battery that needs to be changed.
If your detector is still not working or if your detectors are missing (you should have one on every floor of your home) please contact us we will aim to get you an appointment within 24 hours.
Make sure door-closers work properly, fully shutting the door without assistance. If there’s a problem with a door-closer, or a door doesn’t fit the frame properly and leaves a gap, please contact us.
You should have a carbon monoxide detector in each room of your home that has a combustible appliance, such as a gas boiler or coal fire. This does not include cookers if it’s the only combustible appliance in the room. We suggest testing your detectors on a monthly basis. If yours is not working please contact us and we will aim to get you an appointment within 24 hours or please contact your local gas contractor.
Our residents have access and use of balconies. They are legally managed by the landlord under the Fire Safety Act 2021, but we ask that you get familiar with our rules to help keep yourself, your family, and neighbours safe.
If you have any questions, please ask your housing rep or get in touch.
Single-access balconies
These are balconies connected to your home, used by yourself and your family.
Please do not install or use:
- privacy screening, unless you can provide proof that it’s made of fire-rated material
- fencing, paneling, screening, or flooring, such as astroturf or wicker
- sheds, fencing, or heavy structures
- barbeques
- electrical appliances
- gas cylinders or patio heaters
- excessive amounts of highly combustible material
- flammable products and liquids
- ignition sources.
Please also remember that:
- plant pots must be secured
- smoking in open areas is allowed but you should use ash trays and extinguish cigarettes responsible to reduce the risk of fire
- cigarettes must never be thrown off balconies.
Open-access balconies
These are balconies facing the open walkway to your home, used by yourself, your family, and neighbours.
Please remember that:
- these must be always kept clean and clear to allow for safe evacuation and easy access if needed by the emergency services
- doormats are allowed
- no fixings, gates, or doors of any kind are allowed
- smoking in open areas is allowed but you should use ash trays and extinguish cigarettes responsible to reduce the risk of fire
- cigarettes must never be thrown off balconies.
- Never leave your cooker unattended when in use.
- Keep your hob, oven and grill clean – build-ups of fat and grease are a major fire risk.
- Keep flammable items like tea towels and other fabrics away from your cooker
- Don’t store objects on top of microwaves as this can block ventilation.
- Don’t leave lit candles, matches or cigarettes unattended.
- Keep burning candles or lit cigarettes away from children.
- Don’t put candles or cigarettes on or near your TV.
- Keep candles or cigarettes away from curtains and fabrics.
- Extinguish candles, matches and cigarettes before leaving a room or going to sleep.
- Go outside to smoke.
- Don’t smoke in bed.
E-cigarette and vape safety
- Only use the chargers that came with the device.
- Never charge e-cigarettes or vapes overnight or leave them unattended while charging.
- Don’t leave items continuously on charge. After the charge cycle is complete switch them off.
- Do not cover batteries that are on charge, in case of overheating.
- Never store batteries in extreme temperatures and keep them out of direct sunlight.
- Avoid storing, using, or charging batteries in extremely high or low temperatures.
- Protect batteries against being damaged, crushed, or punctured and don’t immerse them in water.
- Never let your battery come into contact with metal items, such as coins or keys in a pocket or bag, as this can cause a short circuit and explosion.
- Note: lithium-ion batteries are safe during normal use, but are a fire risk when over-charged, short-circuited, submerged in water, or damaged. They can be extremely dangerous when thrown away with general rubbish as they are hazardous waste. You must dispose of them at a recycling center.
- Switch off electrical appliances when not in use.
- Check appliances, cables and plugs to make sure everything is in working order.
- Don’t overload sockets with too many electrical appliances.
- Use the correct type and wattage of bulb for light fittings.
- Don’t cover heaters or dry clothes on them.
- If possible, secure your heater against a wall so it can’t fall over.
- Position heaters away from flammable bedding, curtains and furniture.
- Don’t leave your heater unattended or fall asleep with it on.
- Don’t leave children or pets unattended where heaters are switched on.
- Don’t power heaters from an extension lead.
General E-Bike and E-Scooter Safety Tips
- Never store e-bikes or e-scooters in communal areas.
- Never block escape routes within your home.
- Consider adding extra smoke alarms in areas where e-bikes or e-scooters are being stored and charged.
Charging Your E-Bike or E-Scooter
- Don’t leave batteries constantly on charge.
- Unplug your charger once it has finished charging.
- Batteries will warm up, so allow time for them to cool down before recharging or they could be more likely to catch on fire.
- Batteries can malfunction when damaged. To avoid this risk, handle them with care while in use.
- It’s important to use the correct charger for your product. Always buy official parts and chargers from reputable sellers.
- Avoid charging the battery when it is unattended or when you are sleeping. Note: lithium-ion batteries are safe during normal use, but are a fire risk when over-charged, short-circuited, submerged in water, or damaged. They can be extremely dangerous when thrown away with general rubbish as they are hazardous waste. You must dispose of them at a recycling center.
- Mobility scooters can be a fire risk when charging, so don’t leave it on constant charge.
- Don’t charge your mobility scooter overnight.
- Don’t store your mobility scooter in a communal or common area of a property.
- Don’t store your mobility scooter in your flat where it can block your escape route.
- Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions and only use chargers and batteries recommended for your particular model.
If you want to discuss the fire risks associated with mobility scooters, please contact your Housing Officer.
You’re not allowed to keep or store anything in communal areas. Keep communal areas clear of rubbish and personal items, so you can escape quickly and safely in the event of a fire or emergency. Things left in communal areas can also help to spread a fire.
If you see rubbish or personal items in communal areas, please phone our customer services team on 0300 500 8000.
Security gates and grills
Don’t fit security gates or grills to your front door, as in the event of a fire they can increase the risk to your family by stopping you getting out of the property quickly. They can also significantly delay the Fire Brigade from fighting a fire and rescuing you and your family.
Gates and grills may also stop other residents from being able to escape. If you have serious concerns about your security, please speak with your Housing Officer or the Police and we will work together to look for solutions that don't pose a risk to you.
Lithium-ion batteries are a type of rechargeable battery that can be used for anything from mobile phones and laptops to e-scooters and electric vehicles.
My Guidance on how to dispose of Lithium-ion batteries safety [PDFs]
If you have one that you no longer need, you must dispose of it safely and responsibly. Here are some ways to do that:
Don't expose them to heat
Keep lithium batteries away from heat sources and direct sunlight, especially when disposing of them.
Don't mix them with other batteries
Never mix lithium batteries with other types of batteries – always keep them separate.
Don't put them in your rubbish
Lithium batteries can cause fires or chemical burns if they're broken or leaking, so never put them in your general rubbish or recycling bins.
Put them in a plastic bag
If you're taking lithium batteries to a recycling bin, wrap them in a plastic bag to stop them from mixing with other batteries.
Return them to the manufacturer
In some cases, it is possible to return the batteries to the manufacturer. Further details of this should be labelled on your specific product.
Take them to designated collection points
You can take lithium batteries to specially signposted collection points, including some supermarkets or other large shops. You can also take them to a battery bank that accepts lithium-ion batteries.
Tape the terminals
Before taking lithium batteries to a collection point, tape up the terminals to reduce the risk of fire.
Use a battery compliance scheme
A battery compliance scheme will collect your batteries for free.
Find a local battery compliance scheme
Use a licensed waste carrier
You can arrange for a licensed waste carrier near you to collect your lithium batteries.
Use a recycling centre
You should always take lithium batteries to a recycling centre that accepts them.
Do’s and Don’ts
To help, your family, and neighbours remain safe, we’ve created a handy guide of responsibilities that explain what to do and what to avoid.
If you have any questions, or would like help to better understand the responsibilities, please get in touch with us on 0300 500 8000 or use the button below.
- test your smoke detectors weekly and vacuum for dust build-up every 3 months
- replace your detector batteries if a battery is low
- report any malfunction of faults with your detectors immediately
- report any damage to your flat entrance door immediately
- keep communal areas and balconies clean and clear, with no storage, rubbish, or personal items permitted on them (door mats are okay).
- ever tamper with or alter your flat entrance door
- ever tamper with or remove the self-closer attached to your flat entrance door
- ever tamper with or alter any communal fire doors
- use the communal utility cupboard for storage
- use privacy screening on balconies, unless they come with fire-rated evidence that you’ve shared with us, and that we’ve approved
- store flammable or combustible items on your balcony
- install any security gates or grilles as these are prohibited.
Fire safety FAQs
Here’s how often we check the fire equipment to make sure it’s working:
- Emergency lighting – every three months.
- Fire alarms – every three months.
- Automatic opening vents – every six months.
- Firefighting equipment – every year.
Residential tower blocks with one main staircase and no fire escape are designed in this way. This is so if a fire breaks out in a flat, it will be contained by fire doors and not spread. It also protects the communal staircase from fire, leaving it as a safe escape route.
The Fire Brigade and other authorities recommend that fire alarms should not be fitted in the communal areas of blocks. Instead, there is a ‘stay put policy’. This is where it is safer for you to stay in your own flat.
It also means it may be confusing, and even dangerous, for residents to hear a communal alarm when they have been advised to stay in their flat in the event of a fire.
The Fire Brigade advise that it is not practical to have fire drills in residential blocks. Instead, you should make sure you’re up to date on fire safety advice and that you and your family know what to do in the event of a fire. This includes practising your evacuation plan.
You’re not allowed to set off fireworks or light bonfires in the communal areas of any Clarion property.
Firework safety
If you plan to set off fireworks on your own property, only use fireworks bought from reputable suppliers that display a CE mark and the safety code BS 7114. Keep fireworks in a closed box, well away from open flames or cigarettes. Never keep them in your pocket.
When you light your fireworks point them away from people and follow the instructions on the packaging. Light them at arm’s length using a taper, then stand well back. If you’ve lit a firework, it could still explode, even if it looks like it hasn’t gone off, so keep away from it.
Wear gloves when using sparklers and keep a bucket of water nearby to dispose of used sparklers. Only light one sparkler at a time. Never give a sparkler to a child under five.
Bonfire safety
If you plan to have a bonfire on your own property, position it well away from buildings, sheds, fences, trees, or any telephone wiring or cables.
Never use paraffin or petrol to start a fire – this is very dangerous.
Only burn dry materials on a bonfire. Things that are wet, like damp wood or grass, can cause excessive smoke. Don’t burn aerosols, tyres, canisters, or anything containing foam or paint on a bonfire – these give off toxic fumes and can explode.
Make sure you keep a bucket of water or a garden hose nearby in case the bonfire gets out of control. Wet the embers afterwards to stop the fire from starting up again.
Keep children and pets away from fires.
Fire strategies such as ‘Simultaneous Evacuation’ and ‘Stay Put’ are introduced on a building during construction, by qualified fire engineers. If certain work needs to be done, like an upgrade or improvement, these strategies can be changed to something temporary. If a change is to happen, all residents would be contacted in advance and new signage would be put up. The Fire Authority would also informed and building documents updated.
How do I know what my fire strategy is?
All buildings must display a Fire Action Notice (FAN). These are located by all final exits and will tell occupants and visitors what to do in the event of a fire.
Why is Stay Put considered safe?
1) The vast majority (93%) of Purpose-Built Blocks of Flats have the ‘Stay Put’ policy in place because of their design and fire protection measures. Flats are compartmented, which means they are isolated or self-contained. The only gap is the way in through your front entrance fire door so once closed, the door seals the compartment. Outer walls and windows do not need to be fire rated as they are facing the open air.
Communal walkways are the protected route out of a building and are known as the ‘means of escape’. These areas must always be kept clear and clean to safely exit and provide access for emergency services, if needed.
2) If the building has ‘Stay Put’ (safe) policy, then residents should remain in their flats for their own safety. If there is a fire in a resident’s flat, they will be asked to leave by the fire service. Leaving unnecessarily could be fatal and result in breathing in poisonous gases (such as hydrogen cyanide and carbon monoxide). This is another reason why detection devices, like smoke alarms, are not installed in the communal walkways to prevent leaving unnecessarily.
My flat is in a converted street property. Why is my strategy different?
Converted Street Properties (CSP) carry a ‘Simultaneous Evacuation’ strategy. If the flats have been occupied before the landlord took ownership, we cannot confirm if the flats had been properly fire-compartmented by the original builder. This means you should leave when your alarm system is activated.
All doors that lead onto the communal area are Fire Doors. However, there are some exceptions where they are not required.
Flat entrance doors and communal corridor doors must be fire-rated and have self-closing devices fitted. It is illegal to wedge or tamper with any Fire Door.