All tenants should take the time to read the fire notice provided in the house and/or bedroom in a large development.

It is important to familiarise yourself with the fire safety measures in your property as you move in to your accommodation as these systems help keep you safe every day, however there’s a part for you to play to.

Here’s the best ways to keep fire safe in your house or flat:

• Keep doorways and hallways free from obstructions
• Keep fire doors closed and never wedge them open
• Switch on your cooker extractor fan when you cook
• Never leave your cooking unattended
• Don’t start cooking if you’re tired or under the influence of drugs or alcohol
• Never cover a heater or dry your clothes on them
• Never cover a smoke detector
• Use the bathroom fan when showering - steam, and even deodorant spray, can set off the smoke alarm
• Never use faulty electrical equipment
• Be careful to not overload plug sockets or extension leads when in use (appliances which give off heat should only ever be plugged in alone e.g. hairdryers etc)

And around the communal areas:

• Keep all exits and hallways clear of any obstructions
• Never wedge communal fire doors open
• Report any faults with fire doors or equipment to us as soon as you spot them
• Never block emergency access to your building
• Familiarise yourself with fire escapes and your fire assembly point
• Only use the dedicated smoking areas and never smoke or vape inside

Tampering with any fire safety equipment is against the law. Don’t tamper with your fire extinguishers, fire alarm system, smoke detectors (including covering them), break-glass and fire exit signs.

False alarms and how to prevent them

False fire alarm activations can be disruptive and frustrating  for your and others in your property. More importantly, they may lead to complacency, causing people to ignore future alarms. It's essential to treat every fire alarm seriously and evacuate immediately - never assume it's a false alarm. 

You can help reduce false fire alarm activations by following these simple steps:

• Keep the bathroom door closed while showering - steam can trigger the fire alarm
• Use aerosol sprays in the bathroom only with the extractor fan switched on
• Avoid covering your bedroom heater with clothes or other items
• Do not use candles anywhere in the building
• When cooking, open your kitchen windows slightly and keep the kitchen fire door closed. never leave cooking unattended
• Report any damaged detector heads or break glass points immediately to your building team
• Do not smoke or vape inside the building 
• If you suspect someone is smoking indoors, let your building team know

What to do if there's a fire

If a fire breaks out in your flat, its natural to feel scared - but acting quickly and calmly is crucial. Whether the fire seems small or large, follow these steps immediately:

• Evacuate immediately if you hear the fire alarm
• Leave your flat, closing all doors behind you to help contain the fire
• Use the stairs - never use the lift during a fire
• Call 999 as soon as you're safe . Don't assume someone else has already called. 
• Call Unipol on 0113 205 3401
• Do not return to your flat until you're officially told its safe 

Important fire safety information is displayed inside your flat either in the hallway (next to fire panel) or kitchen and in your bedroom. Take a moment to familiarise yourself with it when you move in.  

Check with your building team for the date and time of your weekly fire alarm test.