London Fire Brigade has a list of fire safety checks to carry out before you go to bed. There's a higher risk of fires when people are asleep.
Find more fire safety advice from the London Fire Brigade.
Smoke alarms
Having a working smoke alarm could save your life.
We fit smoke alarms whenever a council property becomes vacant or there is a change of tenancy.
If an alarm is already fitted, we test it again to make sure it's working.
You should test your alarm weekly by pressing the test button. If working correctly, the alarm will sound. We also advise running a vacuum nozzle over the alarm once a month, if you can reach it safely, to remove dust.
If you're a council tenant and do not have a working smoke alarm, call 020 8921 8900 and we will arrange to fit one for free.
Keep communal areas clear and safe
Communal areas must be kept clear of all personal items, flowerpots, mobility scooters or any rubbish at all times.
This is important to ensure residents can get out quickly and safely if there is a fire or other emergency. This will also help emergency services work safely within the building.
Flat entrance fire doors
Fire doors help prevent fires from spreading through a building.
If your flat has a fire door, you must not:
- remove or tamper with the closing device
- change your flat door without our consent
Do not damage your flat door, for example by:
- damaging the frame by forcing it open
- changing the lock, letterbox or hinges
- installing additional items to the door, like extra locks, a viewer or door chain
- installing an external security gate
If your door is damaged, does not close on its own, for example, is self-closing, or you have concerns about its condition, you should request a repair.
It's unlikely your flat has a fire door if:
- you access your flat directly from the street
- it's on the ground floor, and you do not walk through an enclosed building entrance area
- you live in a purpose-built block of flats and access your home from an open balcony walkway, and on leaving your home, you could turn left or right to reach a staircase or exit door
Electrical items
Electrical faults are one of the top fire risks in a home and manufacturers often recall products for potential safety issues.
Check GOV.UK for product safety alerts, reports and recalls.
You can also keep up to date with product recall and safety notices by registering your electrical appliances directly with the manufacturer. Use the details supplied when you purchase the item or visit Register My Appliance.
Read London Fire Brigade's fire safety and electrical items guidance.
Electrical heaters
Electrical heaters should be used carefully to avoid starting a fire.
Read London Fire Brigade's portable heaters, gas fires and open fires safety guidance.
If you use an electric blanket, read London Fire Brigade's electric blankets and fire safety guidance.
If you're finding it difficult to heat your home due to financial problems, you could be eligible for help with heating costs.
Smoking
Smoking is not allowed in communal areas of our buildings.
If you smoke and would like help to quit, find out how NHS stop smoking services can help.
Cooking and fire safety
Most fires start in the kitchen while people are cooking.
However, there are many steps you can follow to prevent cooking related fires. For example, you should not leave your cooking unattended and if you're tired, have been drinking alcohol or taking medication that might make you drowsy, avoid cooking at all.
Read London Fire Brigade's cooking and fire safety guidance.
Barbecues
Do not use barbecues inside your homes including on balconies or roof terraces. The storage and use of contained gases, such as Calor gas, is also banned in council owned properties and blocks. If your flat has a private garden, you may use a wood or charcoal fuelled barbecue.
Read London Fire Brigade's barbecue safety tips.
Candles
Candles, tea lights, incense and oil burners should not be used in communal areas in council housing.
If you use them in your home, never place these items near fabrics, decoration or other materials that might catch fire.
Read London Fire Brigade's guidance on how to use candles safely.
Bonfires and fireworks
Residents must not hold bonfires and firework displays on council housing estates.
Instead, you can attend an organised, public fireworks display, as this is much safer than setting up your own display - it also helps minimise pollution.
However, if your flat has its own garden and you're planning to use fireworks, you should follow London Fire Brigade's fireworks safety tips.
Celebrations and fire safety
Enjoy your celebrations safely by following these tips:
- check your fairy lights carry the British Safety Standard logo
- do not attach paper decorations to lights or heaters as they can burn easily
- keep candles, lighters and matches away from children or vulnerable people
- never leave burning candles unattended
- never overload electrical sockets
- always switch fairy lights off and unplug them before you leave the house or go to bed
- make sure cigarettes are put out properly
- make sure your family and visitors know how to escape in an emergency