Check your smoke alarms weekly and follow this advice to help protect your home and loved ones:

Do:

• Make sure all electrical appliances have a British or European safety mark.
• Only used fused extension leads.
• Keep electrical appliances clean and in good working order. Ensure any filters are kept clean, especially in tumble dryers.
• Avoid leaving young children in the kitchen alone with cooking on the hob.
• Put cigarettes out thoroughly in a proper ashtray.
• Keep matches, lighters etc out of sight and reach of children.
• Ensure candles are secured in a proper holder, away from curtains etc.
• Make all electrical sockets accessible for testing (we’ll contact you before this is due to happen).

Do not:

• Remove or interfere with the smoke alarms.
• Leave cooking unattended.
• Overfill chip pans and never throw water on a chip pan fire.
• Overload electrical sockets.
• Use cubed adaptors in any circumstances
• Leave appliances on standby – turn them off completely.
• Leave children or pets alone with lit candles.
• Smoke in bed.

We carry out regular fire risk assessments, block inspections and servicing of fire equipment, such as emergency lighting.

However, you also have a responsibility for keeping your block safe:

• Keep all communal areas clear of rubbish and personal possessions.
• Lock cupboards in communal hallways.
• Do not smoke inside any communal areas or within five metres of any entrance doors.
• Park in designated areas only to ensure escape routes are clear.

Fire doors

The fire doors should be kept shut at all times and you should not try to make any adjustments to them yourself.

If you have any issues with doors (which meet the required FD30s standards) call us on 01993 890000

Fire risk assessment

To request a copy of the current fire risk assessment for your block please contact us.

Please be aware that single use vapes are electrical items and contain a lithium battery which could cause a fire if it gets damaged. They must be recycled if they are to be disposed of safely. Please check your local council's website for recycling services in your area. You can find their details at: GOV.UK

Please be aware of the fire risks caused by lithium-ion batteries, which are used to power electric bikes, scooters, mobility scooters and some smaller devices, such as laptops, mobile phones and e-cigarettes.

There have been cases linked to these batteries, resulting in devastating fire damage. It is vital that batteries are stored correctly and in line with manufacturer's guidance to ensure your and your home’s safety.

If you own an e-bike or e-scooter, learn how to store and charge the lithium-ion battery to help keep yourself and your loved ones safe:

• How to use e-bikes and e-scooters safely

If you want to park a mobility scooter at a Cottsway property (building or estate), you must seek permission from us first. 

• Home alterations and permission