Fire safety

What to do if there is a fire?

• Raise the alarm. Don't investigate to see if there is a fire. Shout to alert everyone in the house, get everyone together, follow your plan and get out. 
• Don't open any doors that are warm- the fire is on the other side of them.
• Don't go back inside your home- don't stop or go back for anything. Phone the Fire brigade once you are out. 
• If you can't get out- get everyone together and close the door. Seal the bottom of the door with towels and bedding. Open the window and stay near it.
• Phone the Fire Brigade or shout for help so someone can phone the emergency services for you.

Frequently asked questions on fire safety for customers in blocks and schemes

Our tallest blocks are at Bruton House, Hillsborough House and Alexandra House in Weston-Super-Mare, all of which are no higher than eight storeys.

If you live in a block a fire risk assessment is carried out in line with our Fire Risk Assessment Policy.

We check fire doors in line with Government guidance. If you have concerns about your fire door you can raise this as an issue by contacting us.

If you have any questions about fire safety, get in touch with our contact centre.

• Fire risk assessments

  We have robust procedures to ensure that fire safety arrangements are maintained in all our homes.

  We carry out regular fire risk assessments of all communal areas in apartment blocks and sheltered schemes where we check to ensure that things like fire doors and escape routes are kept clear and in good working order.

  If any required actions are identified, they're dealt with immediately following this assessment.

  All blocks are regularly checked by a qualified fire risk assessor at least once a year.

  It's important for customers to maintain the clear corridor policy for escape routes so they can be easily accessed in an emergency.

  If you would like to request a copy of the fire risk assessment for your block, you can do this by getting in touch with our contact centre. If you have a solicitor or representative requesting this on your behalf, they'll need to send the request in writing.

• My building has External Wall Installation is this safe?

  The External Wall Insulation on our properties is a mineral fibre and is classified as non-combustible and meets the relevant BS Standards. The waterproof over coating to the insulation we have used is a modified sand /cement render which will not spread fire in the way plastic and zinc can.

• My building has recently been refurbished, am I at risk?

  All refurbishments are carried out in accordance with Building Regulations and approved by the relevant authorities. Any newly fitted communal fire safety alarms are commissioned and then tested weekly to ensure they are fully functional.

• Where can I find the evacuation procedure?

  Fire safety procedures are issued to all new tenants. They can also be found on Fire Action Notices which are posted in your communal stairwells, usually located near to the entrance/exits.

• Should I still follow the ‘stay put’ policy?

  Yes, the existing guidance still stands at present to ensure fire escapes are clear for fire fighters to do their job in the event of an emergency. If the alarm is activating in another part of your building you are safe within your flat for at least 30 minutes and provides adequate time for the fire brigade to take any necessary action. If you are directly affected by smoke or fire within your own flat then you should always leave immediately.

• Is my front door fire rated?

  Fire doors are important way of keeping you safe in the event of the fire. All Alliance Homes doors are fire-resistance rated to a minimum of 30 minutes. Fire doors act as a barrier to the spread of fire, heat, and smoke, limiting its effect to give you time to get out. If you have replaced your front door or are concerned about the standard of your fire door, then please speak with your housing officer. Here are five things to check if you think your door is faulty.

• Is my building fire compartmentalised?

  All Alliance Homes premises meet current Building Regulations for fire compartmentalisation and offer between 30 - 60 minutes of fire protection.

• Is the communal fire alarm checked regularly?

  Yes, communal fire alarms are tested weekly. If you are unable to hear the fire alarm during the test please speak with your housing officer

• What can I do to help reduce the risk of a fire?

  There’s lot that you can do to reduce this risk of fire and help keep yourself and others safe:

  • If you live in a block of flats, always keep communal areas clear from obstructions such as bin bags, bicycles, children's buggies, and plant pots
  • Keep fire doors shut in the corridors
  • Keep all exits from your home clear
  • If you have a balcony, garden or patio avoid storing anything that would easily catch fire and cause a fire to spread such as fuel canisters
  • Avoid use of barbeque or fire pits on balconies
  • Avoid overloading electrical sockets
  • Stub out cigarettes fully and do not smoke in bed
  • Do not charge or store mobility scooters or e-scooters in communal areas. If you need access to a mobility scooter storage speak to your tenancy officer.

Smoke detectors

In a fire a smoke detector could give you those important extra minutes that allow you to escape from your house safely. Smoke detectors give you a vital warning before a fire takes hold and they are there to protect you and your family.

Every home should be fitted with a smoke detector and Alliance Homes is responsible for testing your smoke detectors each year. If your home doesn't have one please call us and we will arrange for one to be installed.

How should I care for my smoke detectors?

Always test the detector weekly.

You can do this by pushing the detector button until the horn sounds. If you are elderly or disabled ask a relative, friend or neighbour to do it for you. If the smoke detector sounds a loud continuous sound and you have not pushed the test button, the detector has sensed smoke in the air. The alarm is warning you of a possibly serious situation which needs immediate attention, do not ignore it.