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Your safety is our priority, and Community Gateway Association work hard to maintain the highest levels of safety in all our tenants’ homes.

Fire safety in the home is extremely important. This page, and the guide above, look at common causes of fire in the home, explains how to reduce fire risks and what to do in the event of a fire. Please follow this guidance to make sure that you are helping to keep yourself, your family and your neighbours safe. Throughout the year we carry out regular checks to make sure everything is working as it should be.

Common causes of fires at home

Smoking is harmful to your health and it is the most common cause of fatal fires. Following these tips will prevent a smoking-related fire in your home:

  • It's safer to smoke outside, but make sure cigarettes are stunned out and disposed of properly.
  • Never smoke in bed and avoid smoking on armchairs and sofas, especially if you think you might fall asleep.
  • Use a proper ashtray that can't tip over.
  • Don't balance cigars or cigarettes on the edge of an ashtray.
  • Always empty ashtrays carefully, making sure smoking materials are fully extinguished, cold and preferably wet before throwing them into a suitable outdoor bin - never use a wastepaper basket.
  • Do not leave any type of lit cigarette or pipe unattended.
  • Keep matches and lighters out of the reach of children.
  • Illegally imported cigarettes from other countries may not comply with strict safety requirements that we have in the UK.

Electrical Devices - did you know that nearly half of all house fires in the UK are caused by electrical faults?

  • Ensure correct fuses and circuit breakers are used. 
  • Only use appliances with a British or European safety symbol.
  • Avoid overloading sockets with plugs.
  • Fully unravel extension cables so they are loose. If left tightly coiled, extension cables generate heat which can cause a fire.
  • Never stretch power cables.
  • Unplug all devices overnight (where possible).
  • Avoid using portable heaters. If you do use them, make sure they are kept well away from anything that could burn.
  • Only use laptops and tablets on hard, flat surfaces.
  • Do not leave washing machines, tumble driers or dishwashers running when you go out or go to bed.

Gas - highly combustible gas leaks can be very dangerous. If you smell gas, you should follow the instructions below:

  • Open windows to allow gas to escape.
  • Do not operate any electrical devices.
  • Leave the property.
  • Do not smoke.
  • Contact Cadent (gas network operator).
  • Return to your property once the supplier confirms it's safe.

Kitchen fires - more than half of accidental fires at home are started by cooking, often when cookers and grills are left unattended:

  • Make sure pan handles don't stick out, so they can't get knocked off the stove.
  • Take care if you're wearing loose clothing, as it could easily catch fire.
  • Keep tea towels and cloths away from the cooker and hob.
  • Double check the cooker is off when you've finished cooking.
  • Avoid leaving children in the kitchen alone when cooking.
  • Do not leave cooking unattended. Take pans of the heat or turn the heat down.
  • Keep the oven, hob and grill clean and in good working order. A build-up of fat and grease can cause a fire.

Deep fat frying - take care when cooking with hot oil. It sets alight easily, especially if using a chip pan:

  • Make sure food is dry before putting it into hot oil so it doesn't splash.
  • If the oil starts to smoke, it's too hot. Turn off the heat and leave it to cool. 
  • Use a thermostatically controlled electric deep fat fryer, as they can't overheat.
  • Never leave a chip pan unattended.

Charging batteries:  Recently, several devices which have lithium-ion batteries, such as e-cigs, hoverboards and mobile phones, have caught fire or exploded during charging. Never leave a device charging unattended or overnight.

Candles are responsible for two house fires every day. Do not leave lit candles unattended, and place them on flat, secure surfaces - away from furniture, beds, children and open windows.

Furniture:  Strict UK regulations exist regarding materials used in furniture. You should ensure that all of your furniture features a permanent lable confirming it complies with these.

What to do in the event of a fire:
  • Quickly and loudly shout 'FIRE' to alert everyone and try not to panic.
  • When leaving your home, if you are unsure where the fire is - check closed doors by placing your hand against them. If a door feels warm do not open it as there may be a fire on the other side.
  • Use your planned excape route and get everyone out as quickly as possible. DO NOT stop for possessions or to look for pets.
  • If there is smoke, keep low to the ground as the air will be clearer.
  • Do not fight the fire yourself. Once safely out of your home, call 999 or ask a neighbour if you're unable to call.

Fire doors:  Your home has been installed with a specially designed and tested fire-resistant front door. The purpose of this door is to stop fire and smoke spreading for at least 30 minutes, enabling you to escape safely.  It also prevents fire and smoke spreading to other homes and allows the Fire Service time to gain access to deal with the fire. It is important that fire doors remain in good condition, or they may not do their job properly, putting you and those living in your home at risk.

  • If your door becomes damaged – or doesn’t close properly - let us know.
  • Do not cut/drill holes in your door, such as for doorbells or cat flaps.
  • Do not wedge your fire door open.
  • Do not disconnect your door closing system.
If you need to let us know about a problem with your door, or you have any questions about fire doors, please contact us by calling 0800 953 0213 (option 1), emailing repairs@communitygateway.co.uk or by reporting a repair.