Fire safety

We will:

• Carry out fire risk assessments: We visit all our communal properties at least every five years and carry out a thorough check to ensure the risk of fire starting and spreading is low. We check outside, for risks such as fuel stored nearby or obstructed paths, and inside for signage, any areas that are cluttered or not adequately lit, and that all doors to flats can resist fire for at least 30 minutes. We even check loft spaces because fire can spread if they are not compartmentalised.
• Complete regular checks: We carry out annual gas checks, including checking boilers are safe, fit smoke alarms in all our properties and check all electrics at least every ten years.
• Build and manage our properties well: Our new properties conform to all the latest safety standards and our existing properties are well managed with the correct signage and regular checks in place so we can pick up and tackle any risks early on.
• Provide fire action notices: All our communal blocks have clear information about what residents should do in the case of a fire.

Your safety is priceless, and testing your smoke alarm regularly is a small price to pay for peace of mind. It’s a simple action that could mean the difference between life and death in an emergency.

Ensure you have working smoke alarms installed on all levels of your home. It can give you the vital time you need to escape in a fire. Test them regularly and never remove batteries!

Have any gas cooker or other appliances checked every year by a Gas Safe registered engineer and service them regularly.

Fire doors are installed in many of our homes. They offer 30 minutes of protection against fire, prevent smoke from spreading, and give you the best chance of escaping should a fire break out.

Here are some dos and don’ts to help you look after your fire door and keep you and your family safe.

• Check the seals every three months, and report any issues to us straight away
• Wipe both sides of the door and the plastic frame every few months with a soft damp cloth and warm soapy water.
• Inspect the drainage holes in the threshold on a regular basis to ensure they aren’t blocked and are clear of debris.
• Make sure whenever the door is shut, you lift the handle. This allows the multipoint locking system to fully secure into the frame.
• Don't fit it anything to this door that would mean drilling into or through the door or its frame – including cat flaps or door numbers.
• Use solvents or aggressive cleaners on the door or its fittings.
• Use oil on the hinges, handles or locking system. If oiling is needed, use petroleum jelly or lithium grease.
• Paint the door.

You should also close bedroom doors at night, should fire start this could buy you precious time from the effects of smoke.

If you have any questions or concerns about your fire door, please get in touch. 

Please make sure you don't leave any personal items in communal areas, including meter or electrical cupboards to ensure the fire escape routes are always clear.

We'll remove any items we find and will usually charge a fee to return them.

Remember, knowing your fire exit isn’t just a suggestion – it’s your ticket to safety. So, take centre stage, know your exit, and shine bright as the safety star you are!

Make sure your family and any visitors staying know what to do in an emergency. Tell them where you keep door and window keys so they can escape if a fire starts.

Unless you live in accommodation with specific fire instructions, in the event of a fire – get out, stay out and call 999 and ask for the fire service.

We’re all about keeping you safe and secure.

So, if you could open up and let us in for any appointments we make to do a gas, electrics or other safety checks, we’ll get cracking on making sure your home is the safest haven it can be. That little ring on the doorbell could be the first step toward safeguarding what matters most.

Power cables are the lifelines of our modern world, but avoid the temptation to daisy-chain power strips or overload outlets with multiple devices.

Spread your electrical load evenly across outlets to prevent overheating and minimise the risk of electrical fires. Make sure there's only one plug per socket. Always turn off electrical items when they’re not in use, unless designed to be left on, like freezers.

If you have any concerns about safety in your home - talk to us. We'll do everything we can to keep your home and family safe from fire and other risks. 

For information and useful videos on home and fire safety you can also visit Kent Fire and Rescue Service or speak to one of their home safety advisers on freephone 0800 923 7000.

 

Plug in and go the extra mile with fire-safe charging.

Charging your mobility scooter should be a safe experience that not only fuels your journey but also safeguards you against potential hazards.

When charging your mobility scooter, e-bike or e-scooter, it is important to:

• Remember you are not permitted to store or charge mobility scooters, e-bikes and e-scooters in communal areas as any items left there can block emergency exit routes and create a fire risk. This includes mobility storage facilities.
• Never block the escape route within your property with anything, including mobility scooters, e-bikes or e-scooters. Store them somewhere away from a main escape route.
• Always use the correct charger for the product and buy an official one from a reputable seller.
• Batteries can get warm during their use, and it is advisable to allow them to cool down before attempting to re-charge as they could be more likely to fail.
• Batteries should always be charged on hard surfaces where heat can disappear.
• Batteries can pose a risk if they have been damaged, so try to ensure they are not knocked while in use or when being carried as spares.
• Always make sure you unplug your charger once it is finished charging. Do not over charge the battery and follow manufacturers’ instructions.
• Ensure you have a working smoke alarm where you charge your mobility scooter, e-bike or e-scooter.
• Charge batteries whilst you are awake and alert. Do not charge batteries overnight while you are asleep or away from home.
• Do not charge batteries or store your mobility scooter, e-bike or e-scooter near combustible or flammable materials.

• Never leave cooking unattended. Most fires start in the kitchen so this is a high risk area. Be sure to avoid cooking while under the influence of alcohol. Always turn off kitchen appliances when you’ve finished cooking.
• Put your cigarette out - right out! Make sure your cigarette is fully extinguished and take care when under the influence of alcohol or tired. It’s very easy to fall asleep while your cigarette is still burning and start a fire.
• Never leave burning candles unattended. Keep candles out of the reach of children, and away from decorations, cards and wrapping paper, fires, lights and heaters.