Building and fire safety for Ealing Council tenants and leaseholders

Fire safety

Although serious fires are quite rare, sadly around 400 people die in accidental house fires each year in the UK. We are doing all that we can to keep you and your home safe from the devastating affects of fire but you can help too.

Protecting your loved ones from fire is perhaps one of the most important things you can do to keep your home safe. Go to the Directgov website for simple steps you can take, from testing your smoke alarms each week and planning an escape route to cooking safely and preventing electrical fires.

Fires are more likely to start at home then anywhere else. Here are some useful tips that you can use to ensure your home and communal areas of your building stay as safe as possible.

Kitchen

  • when using the hob, keep your saucepan handles turned in so they do not get knocked off
  • keep tea towels and cloths away from your cooker and be careful if you are wearing loose clothing
  • if you are cooking with oil and it catches fire, never use water on it - it will cause a fireball
  • switch off all non-essential appliances at night and when you are not at home
  • if you need to leave the room take your pans off the heat - many kitchen fires are caused when pans are left unattended
  • keep your oven, oven hood filters and hob clean and free of grease as this can quickly ignite and cause a fire
  • do not try and tackle a fire yourself, get out and call 999 immediately

Keeping children safe

  • do not let children play with electrical items. Use plug guards in sockets and unplug appliances that children could trip over
  • keep matches, lighters and candles out of sight and reach of children
  • always use a childproof fire guard, and do not let children play or leave toys near a fire or heater
  • take care when cooking - never leave children alone in the kitchen
  • make sure your evacuation route is clear of any toys or pushchairs which may block it
  • keep doors closed at night
  • discuss the importance of fire safety with your children

Portable heater safety

  • do not put anything on top of heaters - never use it to dry your clothes
  • keep your heater away from bedding, curtains and furniture
  • never leave your heater unattended whilst in use or when you are asleep
  • never power a heater from an extension lead
  • do not leave young children or pets unattended in areas where portable heaters are switched on
  • keep portable heaters in a safe place, both when they’re being used and when they’re being stored

 Cigarettes

  • do not leave lit cigarettes, cigars or pipes lying around
  • stub cigarettes out properly, ensuring they are fully extinguished and disposed of in an ashtray
  • do not smoke in your property - always find an outside space away from the stairwells or building to smoke
  • never smoke in bed
  • take extra care if you smoke when you are tired, taking prescription drugs, or if you have been drinking. You might fall asleep and set your bed or sofa on fire
  • keep matches and lighters out of reach of children

Smoke detectors

  • smoke detectors can help to save lives; check yours weekly
  • each month press the button on your smoke alarm to check that the power supply works
  • if there is no sound, this may mean the battery is dead or your detector is not working. You should replace the batteries and if it still does not make a sound, contact the repairs team or the London Fire Brigade
  • if your smoke alarm goes off by mistake, do not take out the batteries; wait for it to stop
  • do not cover the smoke alarm - it is in place for your safety

Balconies

  • keep your balcony clear of rubbish
  • do not have barbeques on your balcony

Communal areas

  • exit routes and communal areas should be kept clear at all times - if there is a fire or any other emergency, you will need to get out quickly and safely
  • do not leave buggies, bicycles or any other household goods in any communal area as they are fire hazards
  • it is noted within your tenancy agreement that items are not to be stored in communal areas. You must remove any items immediately if you are told to do so by a member of staff. Enforcements and action will be taken for those that do not comply. We operate a bulk refuse service which you can use to arrange for items to be collected
  • do not prop communal doors open
  • mobility scooters are not permitted to be charged or stored in communal areas. For more information on this, please contact your neighborhood housing officer

Useful information