Fire safety measures in council housing
- Fire safety measures
- Frequently asked questions
Fire safety measures
There are a number of measures taken to ensure fire safety in council homes.
Smoke alarms
The fire service recommends that all households have smoke alarms fitted. This gives extra time for you and others to escape from a fire.
Getting a smoke alarm
All our properties are let with smoke alarms as standard and we provide replacement smoke alarms free of charge. The smoke alarms have a 10 year battery life and we would recommend that you test these regularly.
Your housing area team can arrange for smoke alarms to be fitted into council properties for all tenants, leaseholders and co-operative residents. Contact your area team.
The London Fire Brigade also provide and fit smoke alarms free of charge. Contact them on 0800 028 4428 or email smokealarms@london-fire.gov.uk.
Testing
If you fit your own smoke alarm, make sure it is checked and tested.
Please remember to test your smoke alarm regularly, at least once per month.
Fire notices
Fire Action Notices are displayed in the ground floor lobby of every block across the Borough and should be read. Regular inspections are carried out by Estate Services Officers, but if you see any damaged signs you should report this to Estate Services on 020 8871 7446 or 7445.
Fire Risk Assessments (FRAs)
We undertake regular Fire Risk Assessments to all communal areas of its blocks. These are reviewed regularly. The purpose of the assessment is to evaluate the risk to people from fire, taking into account existing fire safety measures and to determine whether additional measures are necessary. Areas that are looked at include:
- Measures to reduce the risk of fire and the risk of the spread of fire
- Means of escape from fire
- Measures to ensure escape routes can be safely and effectively used
- An emergency plan, including procedures for residents in the event of a fire
- Measures to mitigate the effects of fire