London Fire Brigade have provided some fire safety checks, which you should carry out before you go to bed, because there is a higher risk fires during the night when people are asleep.

The bedtime checklist

• Close all your internal doors to prevent smoke spreading if a fire starts
• Turn off and unplug electrical appliances unless they are designed to be left on – like your fridge or freezer
• Don’t leave the washing machine, tumble dryer or dishwasher on overnight and unattended
• Don’t leave mobile phones, tablets or e-cigarettes charging overnight
• Check that your hob and oven switches are all off
• Turn heaters off, rake out fires and put a fire guard in place
• Put candles, incense sticks and oil burners out and never leave them burning when you are asleep
• Make sure cigarettes are completely out – wet them to be sure
• Never smoke in bed 
• Make sure escape routes are clear of anything that may slow your escape down
• Keep door and window keys where everyone you live with can find them
• If you or anyone else in the home has mobility issues, ensure mobility aids and methods of calling for help (like emergency pendants) are close to hand in case help is needed to assist with an escape

Smoke alarms

Having a working smoke alarm could save your life.

We fit smoke alarms whenever a council property becomes vacant or there is a change of tenancy. 

If an alarm is already fitted, we test it again to make sure it is working. 

You should test your alarm weekly by pressing the test button. If working correctly, the alarm will sound. Once a month it is also advisable to run a vacuum nozzle over the alarm (if you can reach it safely), to remove dust or cobwebs.

If you are a council tenant and don’t have a working smoke alarm, call 020 8921 8900 and we will arrange to fit one free of charge.

Keep communal areas clear and safe 

Communal areas must be kept clear of all personal items, flower pots, mobility scooters or any rubbish at all times. This is important to ensure residents can get out quickly and safely if there is a fire or other emergency. This will also help emergency services work safely within the building.

Flat entrance fire doors

Fire doors help prevent fires from spreading through a building.

If your flat has a fire door, it is important you do not:

• remove or tamper with the closing device
• change your flat door without our consent
• damage your flat door, which includes:
  • damaging the frame by forcing it open
  • changing the lock, letterbox or hinges
  • installing additional items to the door, such as extra locks, a viewer or door chain
  • installing an external security gate

If your door is damaged, does not close on its own (i.e. is self-closing), or you have concerns about its condition, you should request a repair.

It is unlikely your flat has a fire door if:

• you access your flat directly from the street
• it is on the ground floor and you don’t walk through an enclosed building entrance area
• you live in a purpose-built block of flats and access your home from an open balcony walkway, and on leaving your home you could turn left or right to reach a staircase or exit door

Electrical items

Electrical faults are one of the top fire risks in a home, and manufacturers often recall products for potential safety issues.

You can check product recall updates by visiting Product Recall. You can also keep up to date with product recall and safety notices by registering your electrical appliances directly with the manufacturer, using the details supplied when you purchase the item, or visit register my appliance. 

Fire safety and electrical items guidance

Electrical heaters

It is important to stay safe whilst heating your home. Electrical heaters can be a great option to heat a room, but they need to be used carefully to avoid starting a fire.

For fire safety prevention advice about electrical heaters, visit the London Fire Brigade website.

If you use an electric blanket, London Fire Brigade also have fire prevention advice for using this appliance.

If you’re finding it difficult to heat your home due to financial problems, you could be eligible for support. 

Find out more

Smoking

Smoking is not allowed in communal areas of our buildings.

If you’re a smoker and would like support to stop smoking, find out how NHS stop smoking services can help.

Cooking and fire safety

Most fires start in the kitchen, whilst people are cooking.

However, there are many steps you can follow to prevent cooking related fires. For example, you should not leave your cooking unattended and if you’re tired, have been drinking alcohol or taking medication that might make you drowsy, avoid cooking at all.

Practical steps for safer cooking

Barbecues

Do not use barbecues inside your homes, including balconies or roof terraces. The storage and use of contained gases, such as Calor gas, is also banned in council owned properties and blocks. If your flat has a private garden, you may use a wood or charcoal fuelled barbecue.

Barbecue safety tips

Bonfires and fireworks

Residents must not hold bonfires and firework displays on council housing estates.

It is recommended all residents attend an organised, public fireworks display, as this is much safer than setting up your own display - this will also help minimise pollution.

However, if your flat has its own garden and you’re planning to use fireworks, you should follow London Fire Brigade’s safety tips.

Celebrations and fire safety

Enjoy your celebrations, whether a religious festival or birthday, safely by following these tips:

• Check your fairy lights carry the British Safety Standard sign
• Paper decorations can burn easily, so don’t attach them to lights or heaters
• Keep candles, lighters and matches away from children or vulnerable people
• Never leave burning candles unattended
• Never overload electrical sockets
• Always switch fairly lights off and unplug them before you leave the house or go to bed
• Make sure your family and visitors know how to escape in an emergency
• Make sure cigarettes are put out properly

Candles

Candles, tea lights or incense and oil burners should not be used in communal areas in council housing. 

If you are using candles, tea lights or incense and oil burners in your home, never place these items near fabrics, decoration or other materials that might catch fire.

 If you use these items inside your home, visit London Fire Brigade for safety advice.