What are we doing to keep you safe in your property?

• All kitchens are provided with a fire blanket
• All dwellings have an automatic smoke detection system which is hard-wired and interlinked
• Larger properties have a full zoned heat and smoke detection system which includes manual break-glass call points
• All larger properties have half-hour fire doors throughout
• All shared properties have a fire door on the kitchen with self-closers, to ensure that fires are contained within the room in which they started
• All shared properties and complexes have fire-protected exit routes
• All soft furnishings (sofas and mattresses) meet with the soft furnishing regulations which aim to reduce the spread of fire
• All properties have a Fire Risk Assessment reviewed annually

Fire Alarm system

Your property has been fitted with a mains powered fire alarm system which should not be tampered with or have the smoke detection disabled in any way. If you suspect a fault contact your Building Team immediately and we will see to it as a matter of priority.

Fire doors

Fire doors are installed to protect your route of escape or prevent a fire from entering a room for a certain period of time. Fire Doors should be kept shut at all times as they form an important part of the system. Propping these doors open may endanger yourself and other tenants. The doors have self-closers and fit the door frame flush so that the smoke seals around the door work in the event of a fire.

Do not leave fire doors propped open, as this is the means of protection in the event of a fire. 

If you live within a flat your flat entrance door will be a fire-resistant door. This is required by law and will have:

• A self-closer
• Fire resistant door viewer
• If glazing is fitted within the door, it will be fire resistant 
• Fire resistant letter box assembly
• Intumescent seals to door frame (seals that swell if heated to prevent fire spread)
• Smoke seals to door frame (to prevent smoke spread)
• All hardware including hinges and handles are fire resistant
• Thumb turn lock 

Residents, or their guests, must not tamper with the self-closing devices on fire doors. If residents are aware of any faults with, or damage to any fire doors, please report this immediately to your Building or Property Manager via their email or by reporting through the tenant portal 

Flat entrance doors are inspected annually (both inside and outside your home) as part of the Standard Inspection process. These door inspections are a requirement within law and are for your safety. 

Emergency Lighting 

Emergency Lighting is in place to cover all escape routes and emergency exits to enable you to find your way out of the building and navigate escape routes during a power outage or fire. 

Smoke Control Systems 

An AOV smoke vent system is an Automatic Opening Vent designed to Automatically open in case of fire to release smoke and heat from a building, improving viability and facilitating safe evacuation. These vents are activated by the fire alarm and installed in roofs, stairwells or corridors to prevent smoke from accumulating. Smoke control systems are within all of Unipols larger buildings. Some buildings have windows that open automatically when the fire alarm activates and others have smoke shafts (doors) which open to reduce smoke levels. 

Suppression Systems 

There are different types of suppression systems which include Water-based Sprinkler Systems, Mist and Automist Systems and Stove Guard Systems. Sprinkler Systems are in place at Carlton Hill, Sandhills and Cotton House. Some studio flats within Oka House are fitted with a Stove Guard System due to the positioning of the cooker and the exit. 

If you would like further information about how the fire safety systems in your building operate, please contact your Building or Property Manager.