Fire safety in your home

Please do not wedge open fire doors or remove self-closing devices; these doors are to prevent fire from spreading. In the event of a fire, follow the advice on your emergency plan. Report any faults you notice such as missing or damaged strips around the edges, doors not closing correctly.

Faulty electrics (appliances, wiring and overloaded sockets) cause around 6,000 fires in the home across the country every year. Don’t ever plug in too many appliances to the same socket. Try to keep one plug to one socket. Certain appliances, such as washing machines, must have a single plug to themselves, as they are high-powered.

Communal electrical points should not be used to charge battery items such as escooters, bikes, mobility scooters or cars.

Electric cars should only be charged via a dedicated car charging point, where installed for communal use.

Please do not store or charge e-bikes and e-scooters on balconies or in communal areas such as hallways, escape routes and lobbies. Due to the recent increase in battery-related fires and for the safety of you and your neighbours, we ask that these devices are charged away from the building, where you have permission to do this. 

If you’re unable to charge your e-bike or e-scooter elsewhere, please note the below guidance. Please take the time to read the key information about risks:

Charging

• Follow the manufacturer’s instructions when charging and always unplug your charger when it’s finished charging.
• Ensure you have working smoke / heat fire alarms in your home and charge the device in an area that is directly covered by these. 
• Charge batteries whilst you are awake and alert, so if a fire should occur you can respond quickly. Don’t leave batteries to charge while you are asleep or away from the home.
• Don’t charge e-bikes and e-scooters in bedrooms or where escape routes can be blocked – for example, your hallway obstructing your means of escape.
• If you spot any signs of wear and tear or damage, buy an official replacement charger for your product from a reputable seller.
• Do not cover chargers or battery packs when charging as this could lead to overheating or a fire.
• Do not charge batteries or store your e-bike or e-scooter near combustible or flammable materials.
• Do not overcharge your battery – check the manufacturer’s instructions for charge times.Do not overload socket outlets or use inappropriate extension leads (use un-coiled extensions and ensure the lead is suitably rated for what you are plugging in to it).
• In the event of an e-bike, e-scooter or lithium battery fire – do not attempt to extinguish the fire. Get out, stay out, call 999.

Storage

• Store e-bikes and e-scooters and their batteries in a cool place. Avoid storing them in excessively hot or cold areas, or in direct sunlight internally or externally.
• Do not keep any electronic devices in close proximity to the building externally such as on balconies.
• Follow manufacturer’s instructions for the storage and maintenance of lithium batteries if they are not going to be used for extended periods of time.

Maintaining your e-bike or e-scooter

• Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions for charging and using your product.
• Always use the manufacturer-approved battery and charger.
• If you need a replacement battery or charger for your e-bike or e-scooter go directly back to the manufacturer or retailer you bought it from to ensure it’s safe.
• Regularly inspect your product and check for damage or warning signs that your battery might be failing and becoming a fire risk.
• Don’t attempt to modify or tamper with your battery.

Damage and disposal

• Batteries can be damaged by dropping them or crashing e-bikes or e-scooters. Where the battery is damaged, it can overheat and catch fire without warning. Check your battery regularly for any signs of damage and, if you suspect it is damaged, it should be replaced and should not be used or charged.
• If you need to dispose of a damaged or end-of-life battery, don’t dispose of it in your household waste or normal recycling. These batteries, when punctured or crushed can cause fires in bin stores/lorries, recycling and waste centres. Your e-bike or e-scooter manufacturer may offer a recycling service. Alternatively check with your local authority for suitable battery recycling arrangements in your area.

You must stop using or charging your battery immediately if you notice any of the following:

• Overheating: If your device’s battery feels extremely hot to the touch
• Deformation: If your battery looks swollen. Similar signs include any type of lump or leaking from the device.
• Noise: If your battery is making hissing or cracking sounds.
• Smell: If you notice a strong or unusual smell coming from the battery.
• Performance: If your battery does not fully charge or is taking longer to charge than normal.
• Smoke: If your battery or device is smoking, this may commence with a white vapour emitting form the charger/battery.

What you must do if your lithium-ion battery is a fire risk

• If the device starts smoking or catches fire, raise the alarm, get out, stay out and call 999 immediately.
• If your battery shows any signs of failure, turn off the device and unplug it from the power source immediately.

Your home should have at least one smoke alarm at each level and you should check it regularly. You’re four times more likely to die in a fire if you don’t have a smoke alarm that works. There are several different kinds, but most have an obvious test button. If your alarm doesn’t work when you test it, let us know. A working smoke alarm could save your life.

Never remove the batteries from your smoke alarm unless it is to change them.

All communal spaces are No Smoking and it is against the law to smoke in such spaces.

Every six days someone dies from a fire caused by a cigarette. Stub cigarettes out properly and dispose of them carefully. Put them out. Right out! Use a proper ashtray – never a wastepaper basket. Keep matches and lighters out of children’s reach.

Take extra care if you smoke when you’re tired, taking prescription drugs, or if you’ve been drinking. Never smoke in bed. You might fall asleep and set your bed or sofa on fire.

Two fires a day are started by candles.

Keep them away from flammable materials like curtains. Put candles out when you leave the room, and make sure they’re put out completely at night. Keep pets away, and don’t leave children alone with lit candles.

Around half of home fires are caused by cooking accidents.

 Follow some simple rules to stay safe. Take care if you’re wearing loose clothing – they can easily catch fire. Keep tea towels and cloths away from the cooker and hob. Don’t leave children on their own in the kitchen. If you have to go to another room, turn off the heat and move the pan to a cool ring. When you’re done, make sure you switch off the cooker.

Take extra care when frying. Never leave a chip pan unattended. If the oil starts to smoke, turn off the heat and leave it to cool. If your chip pan catches fire, don’t throw water on it.

Don’t take risks: turn off the heat if it’s safe to do so, leave the kitchen, close the door behind you, and call 999.

Furniture is to be kept to an absolute minimum, and fire-resistant tags should be attached where possible. Storage of combustible items is prohibited, including but not limited to Privacy Garden Screens, BBQs, Wood Burners, Canisters etc.

If you’re using barbeques in your own garden please do so safely. Allow hot coals to cool before disposing of them, and never light a BBQ on a balcony, roof terrace, or in a communal green space – especially in dry weather.