Preventing a fire in your home
Your safety in your home is our top priority, and we work closely with our local partners, such as fire services, to achieve this. But there are a few things you can do to ensure your safety from the threat of fire too.
We've put together some top tips below to protect your family and home:
- Check your smoke alarm regularly and tenants should report any faults via 0800 652 0898. If you're a leaseholder, it's your responsibility to ensure all detectors are in full working order. If you’re deaf or hard of hearing, contact your local fire and rescue service who will assess your needs and make arrangements for a specialist alarm or equipment to be fitted.
- If you live in a block of flats and have a vulnerability that means you'd need support to evacuate your home if there's a fire, it's important you let us know.
- Stay safe in the kitchen. Never leave cooking or a chip pan unattended and keep electrical leads and tea towels away from the hob. Clean your grill, hob and oven regularly.
- Don’t use or store gas cylinders or BBQs on your balcony or indoors, including disposable ones. Don’t add reed screens or other combustible items to your balcony.
- Make sure you put cigarettes completely out. It's best to wet them to be sure and never smoke in bed.
- If you live in a block of flats, make sure you know the evacuation policy. This will be detailed on the Fire Action Notice within your building.
- Use candles safely. Never leave a burning flame unattended and don’t light them near flammable items. Don’t leave children on their own in a room where there’s a fire risk and keep matches, lighters and candles out of reach.
- Keep communal areas and fire escape routes clear of obstructions at all times - this includes door mats, any personal items, bikes, prams and mobility scooters.
- Always register new appliances so you’ll be made aware of any recalls, which can be completed on registermyappliance.org.uk. Or, you can check electricalsafetyfirst.org.uk for any electrical products that have been recalled since 2007.
- Only use one appliance per socket and replace any old or poorly wired appliances.
Below you'll find links to further information on the fire and rescue services that cover VIVID's areas of operation: