You should make sure that you test the smoke alarm in your home and keep exits clear.
Smoke alarms give you advance warning of fire and more time to react. You only have minutes to escape a fire so every second counts.
We check smoke alarms annually and replace or upgrade them where necessary. If your smoke alarms are not working or you don’t have one, please contact us on 0300 131 2 131 (please say ‘housing repairs’ when prompted).
We carry out periodic fire risk assessments for all communal areas in blocks of flats.
We will provide annually, and at the start of tenancy, a fire safety booklet to all residents of blocks of flats and independent living/sheltered schemes which have communal areas.
We will carry out improvements to properties to improve fire safety, such as installing new fire doors.
Let us in for safety checks
We need access to your home to carry out safety checks. These visits help us find and fix fire risks, such as faulty smoke alarms or blocked escape routes.
If you live in a block of flats or sheltered housing, please read the fire safety information you receive when you move in. You should read it each year after that, in case the information changes.
How to plan for a fire
- plan your escape
- think about how you would get out of your home if the normal way is blocked
- keep all escape routes clear of rubbish or bulky items at all times
- tell everyone in the house where the door and window keys are kept
- if you live in a block of flats make sure you read and understand guidance provided and notices in the communal area of your block
Fire safety tips
You should:
- test smoke alarms weekly
- keep matches and lighters well out of the reach of children
- sit at least three feet away from heaters
- close all doors as this helps to prevent fire spreading
- switch off and unplug electrical appliances except those that are meant to stay on, like the fridge
- check your cooker and heaters are turned off
If you smoke, use deep ashtrays so that cigarettes cannot roll out, and do not throw hot ash into the bin.
You should not:
- obstruct any escape routes from your home with rubbish or bulky items
- smoke in bed or in an armchair if you think you may fall asleep
- leave a lit cigarette, pipe or candle unattended
- put a heater near clothes or furniture
- overload electrical sockets
- use a barbecue on flat balcony, or inside the flat
- leave pans unattended when cooking
If a pan does catch fire:
- don’t throw water on it - it will make it worse
- turn off the heat if you can do safely. If in any doubt, leave the room, close the door, shout to warn others to get out and call 999
E-bikes, scooters and fire safety
Most e-bikes and e-scooters bought from reputable manufacturers meet UK safety regulations, but some safety issues arise from converter kits. These are lithium-ion battery packs designed to convert a standard bike to an e-bike.
Many fires start because of faulty chargers or devices left on overnight. Electric bikes and scooters can be very dangerous if their batteries or charger do not meet UK safety standards.
Safety advice for e-bikes and scooters
- never charge your electric bikes or scooters while you are sleeping or not at home
- never block your escape route with your e-bike or scooter
- never tamper with the battery and always follow the manufacturer’s instructions
- never cover your charger - this could lead to it overheating or catching fire
- always unplug your charger once it’s finished charging
- always use the correct charger
- check your battery and charger meets UK safety standards
Candle safety
Many people like using candles, tea lights, incense sticks and scented candles to create an atmosphere - this could be for a special occasion or to celebrate. Candles are however an open flame and can have disastrous consequences. Find out more about candle safety from the North Yorkshire Fire and Rescue website.
Free fire safety visit for eligible tenants
North Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service offers free home fire safety visits to tenants who are at a greater risk of having a fire. They can help you spot risks and make your home safer.
Read more about fire safety on the North Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service website
Protect your belongings
Content insurance gives you financial protection for your belongings if the worst happens, especially if a fire occurs.
As your landlord, we insure the building and anything we provide. You may need to arrange cover for your own personal contents and belongings to make sure they are protected.
Our tenants can get insurance through Royal Sun and Alliance (RSA), who have over 20 years experience working with councils, housing associations, landlords and tenants. There is no excess to pay on claims, and no charges for changing your details or cancelling your policy. Contents insurance cover starts from 45p per week.
For further details visit our home insurance for council tenants page.
Keeping everyone safe
While accidents happen, there are also times when fires are caused by negligence or deliberate actions.
We may take action against those responsible. This may include tenancy action leading to formal legal proceedings, or other measures in order to ensure everyone’s safety.
We all have a role to play in keeping our homes and communities safe. Please follow fire safety rules - for your safety and for the people around you.