Reducing fire risk

Reducing fire risk, what to do if there is a fire.

Tips to help reduce fire risks

By taking a few sensible precautions, you can reduce the risk of fire in your home:

  • do not leave candles unattended – make sure they are in an appropriate candle holder and don't place them near curtains
  • before emptying ashtrays, make sure the contents are cold
  • always keep open fires, electric, gas or portable heaters guarded
  • do not smoke in a chair if you think you might fall asleep, and never smoke in bed
  • keep doors closed in your flat when you go to bed – if a fire does start, this will help to stop it spreading
  • unplug any electrical appliances you are not using – especially at night
  • do not leave cooking unattended – especially when you are cooking with hot oil or fat
  • avoid the use of paraffin heaters – if you have one, make sure it meets the British Safety Regulation BS3300 and that it has a British Standard Institute kitemark

E-bikes and e-scooters

Most fires involving e-bikes and e-scooters happen at home due to charging batteries. Lithium batteries can ignite if damaged or faulty.

If you own an e-bike or e-scooter:

  • always follow the manufacturer’s instructions
  • do not attempt to modify or tamper with the battery
  • let your battery cool before charging it
  • charge your battery on a hard, flat surface where heat can dissipate
  • never leave your e-bike or e-scooter charging unattended, and never charge it while you are asleep
  • always make sure you unplug your charger once it’s finished charging
  • use the correct charger for your batteries and buy any replacements from a reputable seller
  • never block your escape route, including communal areas, with e-bikes or e-scooters – if a fire breaks out, you won’t be able to safely leave your home

See the London Fire Brigade's #chargesafe advice.

Smoke alarms

Having smoke alarms fitted in your home can help save your home and the lives of you and your family. You can buy them in most hardware shops or major supermarkets.

Don't just fit a smoke alarm in your hall and landing – also fit them in any room such as the kitchen and bedrooms where a fire can start. For example, any room where you smoke or leave appliances plugged in. Make sure you test them every month to ensure they do not run out of battery. 

Read more about smoke alarms from London Fire Brigade.

What to do if there is a fire

In the event of a fire:

  • always call 999 – never try to fight the fire yourself
  • make sure you have a plan to escape your home

See the London Fire Brigade's website for advice on:

Help us to keep you safe

Annual checks on fire doors

We carry out annual checks to ensure your front doors comply with regulations – that means they are able to contain a fire for 30 minutes – which could be the difference between life and death.

So please be sure to let us in when we contact you to request access. 

Fire brigade home fire safety visits

London Fire Brigade offers free home fire safety visits to give out personal fire safety advice and fit free smoke alarms.

Request a home fire safety visit from the London Fire Brigade.

Speak to our building safety managers

If you live in a tower block, our team are here to help to keep you safe by carrying out regular checks to identify and deal with potential fire hazards and structural issues. They are also here to listen, involve you and learn from you so that between us we can keep your homes and shared spaces safe.

Our managers are each responsible for a group of estates.

Craig Calder is responsible for:

  • Bournes House
  • Cordell House
  • Eckington House
  • Oatfield House
  • Rosa Luxemburg House
  • Twyford House
  • Warren Court
  • Walter Tull House
  • Pipistrelle House
  • Swan House  
  • Otter House 
  • Garton House

Tony Day is responsible for:

  • Trulock Court
  • Charles House
  • Ermine House
  • Moselle House
  • The Weymarks
  • Campbell Court
  • Wat Tyler House
  • Chettle Court
  • Stellar House
  • Kenneth Robbins House 
  • Dowding House
  • Mountbatten House
  • Wavell House

Buddy Kelner is responsible for:

  • Basil Spence 
  • Cedar House
  • Daphne House
  • Elizabeth Blackwell House
  • Finsbury House
  • George Lansbury House
  • John Keats House
  • Joyce Butler House
  • Newbury House
  • Thomas Hardy House
  • Nilgun Canver 
  • Aaron Gayle

Sam Thompson is responsible for:

  • Croydon
  • Debden
  • Hawkinge
  • Hornchurch
  • Kenley
  • Lympne
  • Manston
  • Martlesham
  • Rochford
  • Stapleford
  • Tern Court
  • Redwing Court 
  • Turnstone Court

To contact the team, please email bsm@haringey.gov.uk

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