As your landlord, fire safety is a top priority and we work very hard to ensure that our homes are as safe as possible.

Below you can find fire safety advice and tips to help you prevent fires and what to do in the event of a fire.

You can also request fire safety information by using our live chat, emailing enquiries@progressgroup.org.uk or calling us on 0333 320 4555. 

Smoke alarms

We follow Building Regulation requirements, and install smoke alarms and heat detectors where appropriate in your property. We recommend you regularly test the batteries in your smoke alarms.

You can also read a copy of our clear print instructions. 

Cooking

The most likely place for a fire to start is in the kitchen.

  • When you are cooking make sure that you do not leave the kitchen.
  • Make sure that towels are away from open flames and the cooker.
  • Keep your oven and grill clean as fat and bits of food can catch fire.
  • Check you have turned everything off when you have finished cooking.
  • We recommend you do not use a chip pan as they are very dangerous and are a major cause of incidents.
Electrical equipment

We carry out an Electrical condition report on a regular cycle to ensure the safety of your installation.

  • If a wire or plug looks damaged then do not use it.
  • If there are scorch marks around a plug on the wall then do not plug anything into it.
  • Do not plug more than one thing into each socket.
  • Switch off and unplug things when you are not using them.
  • Make sure that wires are not tangled. When a wire is tangled and electricity is running through it the wire can get extremely hot and start a fire.
Fires or heaters
  • When you are not in the room make sure you turn off your fire or electric heater.
  • Do not leave your fire or electric heater on overnight.
  • Do not leave anything close to a fire or heater.
  • If you have a portable electric heater then make sure you do not position it right next to a wall or piece of furniture.
  • If you use an electric blanket then make sure you switch it off before you go to bed.
Other hazards

We would recommend that you do not use candles and do not smoke inside.

What happens if there is a fire?

In general you should follow these rules.

Get out and stay out.

  1. If a fire alarm goes off or you see or smell a fire then you should get out safely as soon as possible.
  2. Remember to stay calm and not to panic.
  3. Do not try to put the fire out and do not grab any of your belongings on your way out.
  4. If there is smoke then get down on your hands and knees where the air is clearer.
  5. Once you are outside get a safe distance from the house and ring 999.

 

What if I can’t get out?

  1. If a fire blocks your normal exit route from a building then try to find another way out.
  2. Use the stairs and not a lift.
  3. If there is no way out using a door then if you are on the ground or first floor then you can try escaping through a window.
  4. If you can you should drop something soft out of the window to land on like pillows or a duvet.
  5. If you cannot get out through a door or window then you should find a room without any smoke in it and close the door.
  6. Stay as low as possible to avoid the smoke.
  7. Put something like a towel or clothes behind the door to stop any smoke coming through the gap under the door.
  8. If you have a mobile phone then ring 999.
  9. Try to let people know you are there by shouting.
  10. If your clothes catch fire remember to stop, drop and roll.
Further information

For further fire safety advice and information, please refer to the Fire Service's website: https://www.fireservice.co.uk/safety/

Fire safety information is available on request.

If you need any further advice you can talk to your area housing officer or independent living co-ordinator. You can also call 0333 320 4555 or use our web chat function.