An important reminder on fire safety

Keeping communal areas clear – items left where they shouldn’t be (for instance in stairwells or leaning against doors), could pose a serious fire risk by either catching alight or blocking the exit route. During our monthly estate inspections, we’ll keep an eye out for any items in communal areas and follow up with a removal process if it’s not taken.  

Caring for your outside space – when we have dry weather, any grass or vegetation can easily catch alight and turn into a fire. By keeping your outside space neat and tidy, including disposing of cigarette butts responsibly, you’ll help minimise the risk of fire outside. 

Barbecue safety – lots of us like to enjoy a barbecue during the warmer months but they can pose a serious fire risk. Following some simple steps like never leaving a barbecue unattended, making sure the coals are cool before you move it, and keeping a bucket of water or sand nearby for emergencies, will all help to reduce the risk of a fire breaking out. 

Electrical vehicle charging – it’s really important that if there’s a fire in your home, you’re able to leave as quickly and safely as possible. One way you can help this is to keep exit routes clear of things like charging batteries, e-bikes or e-scooters. Instead, store them in a shed or garage if you can. Batteries themselves can also pose a fire risk, so don’t forget to: keep an eye out for warning signs that your battery might be failing; never leave your battery to charge when you’re out or asleep; check your battery and charger meet UK safety standards; and if you need to replace either of them, only purchase new ones from a reputable supplier. 

Staying safe in your home – there are some general tips on staying safe in your home, including how to enjoy candles safely, maintaining cooking equipment, electrical socket and appliance guidance and more. Check it out on the ‘my safety’ section of the My Abri here. It’s also really important that fire doors aren’t tampered with – they play an essential role in preventing the spread of a fire.