Your safety, both within your home and outside, is our key priority.
Our Health and Safety approach includes our commitment to our residents, employees, contractors and members of the public who may come into contact with our work. Below is a more useful guide for residents and homeowners in helping to keep you safe from harm.
IN THE EVENT OF AN EMERGENCY
We treat all safety issues as urgent. If you have a concern or feel that you, or someone else, is at risk of harm call our office on 0207 424 7370 or out of hours 0800 389 8699
Gas Leaks
If you suspect a gas leak leave your home immediately, contact the national freephone gas emergency number on 0800 111 999, and alert your neighbours to evacuate their homes too until the source of the leak is identified and it is safe to return to your homes.
Fire safety is a priority for us and we work closely with legislative bodies and the Government to ensure our buildings comply with fire regulations and that they provide you with the highest level of security against fire.
We carry out regular annual Fire Risk Assessments, including fire doors, exits, and fire safety equipment.
If you have any concerns, or notice anything that may pose a fire risk, contact us immediately. We treat any fire risk – no matter how small – as an emergency. Please call us immediately on 0207 424 7370
Escape routes
It is essential that you know your fire escape route and that you have practiced it (with your family and other household members).
Your escape route must be left clear of obstructions at all times and well maintained. This enables you to get out quickly, and for emergency services to get in.
Make sure those living in your property are aware of the fire procedures.
Alarms and detectors
There are two types of detectors: smoke detection and heat detection. There should be one detector on every level of your home. If your property uses gas, oil, or solid fuel, it is essential to have a carbon monoxide alarm too.
These alarms must be checked regularly, at least once a month, but a weekly check that takes just a few minutes could save your life.
If you don't have a smoke, heat or carbon monoxide alarm, you can get one for free by phoning the London Fire Brigade on 0800 028 4428 or by contacting us.
If your alarm starts beeping this means the battery is low. Never remove the battery until you can replace it with a new one immediately; and never cover the detector to silence the beeping.
Smoking
Smoking is a leading cause of fire fatalities in the UK. If you smoke, please make sure your cigarettes are put out and disposed of properly. It is safer to smoke outside but please be respectful to neighbours and never throw cigarettes (or anything!) off balconies.
If you do smoke indoors, avoid smoking in bed or any place where you may fall asleep. It is advisable to run water on your ashtray before you empty it.
If you use a vape, always use the charger that comes with it and check the battery for damage and do not leave it charging for extended periods.
In your kitchen
Around 60% of fires start in the kitchen. Please don’t leave your cooking unattended and always check that everything is switched off, that hot surfaces have sufficiently cooled, when you are finished cooking. Be careful of flammable and loose clothing / fabrics when cooking.
Keeping your cooking appliances clean will reduce the risk of fire.
Candles and naked flames
Some fires are started by candles, incense and oil burners. Please make sure these are safely put out before leaving the room, especially at night when there is a risk you could fall asleep.
Place these items on a flat, fire-resistant, stable surface away from flammable items like curtains, furniture and clothes. Where possible purchase LED, battery-operated candles as these will reduce the risk of fire starting.
Heating
Make sure your electrical heater is well-maintained and keep it away from all bedding, clothing and furniture. Check for damage to the wire and that there are no burn marks on it. Where possible, secure heaters to the wall as this reduces the risk of them falling over.