Staying safe in your home

Fire safety

It's important to think about fire safety in your home.

Smoke and carbon monoxide alarms

We provide council tenants with at least one smoke alarm installed on every floor and a carbon monoxide alarm in any room containing a solid fuel-burning appliance.

Alarms are checked as part of your annual gas safety check and replaced when needed.

Fire doors

Fire doors help stop the spread of heat and smoke and protect escape routes. We must ensure all fire doors are free from defects.

Other safety measures

Fire alarms and emergency lighting in communal areas are inspected and tested.

Where applicable, we regularly check and maintain firefighting facilities, including fire engine access, firefighting lifts, fire main inlets and risers, smoke control systems, premises information boxes and signage.

Fire risk assessments

We carry out appropriate fire risk assessments (FRA) on all council-owned properties with communal areas. These assessments are done by qualified specialists. They do not cover the safety of residents inside their own flats.

Any actions identified during the FRA are prioritised by risk and completed within set timescales.

A programme detailing the most recent Fire Risk Assessments for the council's purpose-built blocks of flats, is available on request by contacting our compliance team.

How you can help

  • If you live in a block of flats do not use the communal spaces or your balcony as an extra storage space. Storing items or rubbish in these areas can cause a fire to spread more quickly, block escape routes and slow down firefighters. It is also a breach of your tenancy and you may be charged for their removal.
  • Know your escape plan - if there is a fire in your home, it will be much easier for you to escape if you have already thought about the best way to get out quickly.
  • Check your smoke alarms every month and change the battery every year (unless you have a 10-year battery).
  • Ensure that fire doors are free to 'self-close' properly and are not held or wedged open.
  • If you live above a shop, restaurant or other business look at the premises and report any issues to housing maintenance if you think may affect the safety of building users.
  • Regularly check your domestic appliances for signs and electrical malfunctions.
  • Any battery powered equipment such as E-scooters should be charged in a well-ventilated area away from your home. You must also apply for written permission for such items.
  • Contact Hertfordshire Fire and Rescue Service to arrange a free home fire safety visit.

Stay Put Strategy  

The 'stay put' strategy means that if there is a fire elsewhere in your building, you’re usually safer staying in your flat with the doors and windows closed.

Important: however, if your flat is affected by fire or smoke, leave immediately, closing the door behind you. Once you’re safely outside, phone 999 for the fire brigade.