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Fire safety

We can help you reduce the risk of fire to your home and building.

Reduce the risk of fire

Most fires start within the home and are preventable. We encourage you to read the London Fire Brigade website.

The London Fire Brigade can visit your home to offer free fire safety advice and help you plan a fire escape route. Go to the London Fire Brigade website to book a visit.

Faulty electrical items can be a fire hazard to your home. You can view a list of current electrical products being recalled at the Electrical Safety First website.

There are currently safety notices out about the following faulty electrical items:

  • some Beko fridge freezers, tumble dryers and gas cookers. For more information, go to the Beko website or call 0800 917 2018
  • Whirlpool tumble dryers (which owns Hotpoint, Indesit and Creda); Whirlpool advises you to clean your dryer after each use and to never leave your dryer unattended when in use. For more information, go to the Whirlpool website or call 0344 815 8989 (Find out about call charges)

If you live in a council rented or leasehold property, you’re not allowed to use or store:

  • liquid petroleum or paraffin containers or cylinders (for example, calor gas)
  • dangerous chemicals, gases or materials
  • any inflammable materials or gases

Top tips

To reduce the risk of fire to your home and building, try the following:

  • fit a smoke alarm with a British Standard kitemark, test it monthly and change the battery yearly. If you live in a council property we provide smoke alarms (you must not tamper or disconnect these)
  • make a fire action plan so everyone in your house knows how to escape
  • be careful when cooking with hot oil (consider using thermostatically controlled deep fat fryers)
  • remove grilles from doors and communal areas, as they make it hard to escape and delay fire brigade
  • never park motorbikes in communal areas or inside your home
  • never block, tie or wedge open fire doors in your home or building
  • don’t leave lit candles unattended
  • make sure cigarettes have been stubbed out carefully
  • never smoke in bed
  • keep matches and lighters away from children
  • keep clothing away from heating appliances
  • take special care when you’re tired or under the influence of alcohol (half of all deaths from domestic fires happen between 10 pm and 8 am)
  • keep fire exits and escape routes clear including doors leading from your home, a balcony walkway or any shared landing, hallway or staircase
  • don't leave white goods items in communal areas including freezers, washing machines, fridges, tumble dryers
  • don't overload electrical sockets

Page last updated: 16 April 2024

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