Fire Safety Advice

Following the tragic events at the Grenfell tower block we would like to express our sadness and our thoughts are with all those affected.

We would like to assure our residents that we have robust fire safety policies and procedures in place covering all our blocks of flats, sheltered housing schemes and communal areas. Our approved contactor Baydale carries out regular fire safety inspections of all these sites.

We would also like to remind residents of the following:

Test your smoke alarms in your own home frequently
Ensure all fire doors remain closed and are not wedged open
Ensure all entrances and communal areas remain clear at all times
Report any issues with failed smoke alarms, fire alarms, emergency lighting, fire doors etc. to our customer services team

Cleveland Fire Brigade has released a statement which includes the following advice:

Make an escape plan so that you and your family are fully prepared if there’s a fire in your flat.
Make sure exits are kept clear of obstructions, and doors to stairways are not damaged or faulty.
If it is too dangerous to follow your escape route because the stairs and hallways are filled with smoke, ring 999 and stay inside the safest room. Keep the door closed and use towels or bedding at the bottom of the door to block the smoke.
If you are trapped, go to the balcony – but don’t think about jumping. Wait for the fire and rescue service.
Use the stairs, not the lift, when leaving the building in the event of a fire.
If there’s a fire in another flat in your building, you’re usually safest in your own home, unless you’re affected by the heat or smoke.
In the event of a fire, never assume that someone else has called 999.
Make sure your neighbours know about the fire. Bang on their doors on your way out.
Never tamper with internal fire mains (dry riser) inlets on landings. These provide water to firefighters when there’s an emergency. It could cost lives if they’re not working properly when there’s a fire.
Never park so you block access to any doors. Access roads are designed so that fire engines can get as close as possible to fight fires.
Please don’t start cooking if you are very tired or if you have consumed a lot of alcohol.
If you smoke, make sure you put your cigarettes out properly, and don’t smoke in bed.