fire safety

To ensure the health and safety of our residents who live in accommodation with communal shared areas such as hallways, entrance halls and stairs, we are obliged to ensure that such areas are free of fire hazards. 

Residents are not permitted to use the communal areas to store household belongings, nor to have items such as flowerpots in communal areas. A major factor in any building fire is smoke and household items etc. placed in communal areas can cause obstruction and trip hazards in the event of evacuation from the building.

Where we discover any health and safety hazards in communal areas, we will serve notice by way of a letter to residents concerned. If these items are not cleared, St George Housing will take action by instructing our contractors to collect and dispose of all offending items. The cost of carrying out the disposal will be re-charged  back to residents.

Where we have information about individuals who persistently create hazards in communal areas, we will take action to recharge costs individually and take action, including legal action, for breach of the tenancy agreement. 

Here at SGH we are committed to ensuring that all residents and others affected by our activities are safe and protected from the effects fire and other hazards. We will ensure that in all buildings we own and manage have appropriate measures in place for the prevention of fire and adequate arrangements in place for dealing with fires should they occur.

Escape routes

It is essential that you know your fire escape route and that you have practiced it (with your family and other household members).

Your escape route must be left clear of obstructions at all times and well maintained. This enables you to get out quickly, and for emergency services to get in.

Make sure those living in your property are aware of the fire procedures.

Alarms and detectors

There are two types of detectors: smoke detection and heat detection. There should be one detector on every level of your home. If your property uses gas, oil, or solid fuel, it is essential to have a carbon monoxide alarm too.

These alarms must be checked regularly, at least once a month, but a weekly check that takes just a few minutes could save your life.

If you don't have a smoke, heat or carbon monoxide alarm, you can get one for free by phoning  your local fire brigade service or by contacting us on 02074195140

If your alarm starts beeping this means the battery is low. Never remove the battery until you can replace it with a new one immediately; and never cover the detector to silence the beeping.

Smoking

Smoking is a leading cause of fire fatalities in the UK. If you smoke, please make sure your cigarettes are put out and disposed of properly. It is safer to smoke outside but please be respectful to neighbours and never throw cigarettes (or anything!) off balconies.

If you do smoke indoors, avoid smoking in bed or any place where you may fall asleep. It is advisable to run water on your ashtray before you empty it.

If you use a vape, always use the charger that comes with it and check the battery for damage and do not leave it charging for extended periods.

In your kitchen

Around 60% of fires start in the kitchen. Please don’t leave your cooking unattended and always check that everything is switched off, that hot surfaces have sufficiently cooled, when you are finished cooking. Be careful of flammable and loose clothing / fabrics when cooking.

Keeping your cooking appliances clean will reduce the risk of fire.

Candles and naked flames

Some fires are started by candles, incense and oil burners. Please make sure these are safely put out before leaving the room, especially at night when there is a risk you could fall asleep.

Place these items on a flat, fire-resistant, stable surface away from flammable items like curtains, furniture and clothes. Where possible purchase LED, battery-operated candles as these will reduce the risk of fire starting.

Heating

Make sure your electrical heater is well-maintained and keep it away from all bedding, clothing and furniture. Check for damage to the wire and that there are no burn marks on it. Where possible, secure heaters to the wall as this reduces the risk of them falling over.