Fire safety for council homes

Call 999 immediately if there is a fire in your home.

Fire can affect any property at any time, and there can be many factors that lead to fires. 

We must meet our regulatory and statutory obligations to help keep tenants safe in their homes. Both we and our tenants have an obligation to ensure fire safety is given the attention it requires.

What to do in a fire emergency

A fire emergency could require different action depending on the property type you live in. It is essential to be aware of your building's fire controls, via the fire action notices provided.

The following advice applies to fires in houses:

• stay calm and act quickly – tell everyone in your home to get out
• do not waste any time taking valuables with you
• close all doors behind you (especially the front door) to help contain the fire
• walk calmly to the nearest fire exit – head to a place of safety away from the property
• call 999, giving your full address clearly
• never try to tackle the fire yourself

There is additional specific advice for fires in blocks of flats.

If you become trapped in your home by fire

• If your escape route is blocked, get everyone into a room that is farthest away from the smoke and heat, preferably with a window and phone.
• Ensure you close all of your doors behind to help prevent spread of fire.
• Call the fire service on 999. Give clear details of the address and the room you are in.
• Where possible, block the bottom of doors with blankets, coats, or wet towels.
• If you have a window, open it to allow air in and so the fire service can see you.