We take fire safety in our properties very seriously. Fire can cause serious injury and even death, as well as damage to your home and possessions.

We’ve recently updated our tenant safety information and collated it all into a tenant safety booklet: Staying safe and secure in your Southway home and you can download it here.

 

Our responsibility for fire safety in tenants’ homes

  • We regularly check the operation of all gas and electrical systems
  • We carry out annual checks on your fire and smoke alarms
  • We offer special services for vulnerable tenants
  • We can help to arrange a home fire safety visit from Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service
  • We can provide support for addressing hoarding issues.

 

Our responsibility for fire safety in homes with communal areas

  • We will carry out fire risk assessments in blocks with communal areas
  • We will regularly check the safety of all gas, electrical and fire safety systems
  • We will regularly check flat entrance doors
  • We will carry out annual checks of fire alarms and replace them when necessary
  • We will carry out regular inspections of communal areas.

 

How you can keep your home safe from fire

  • Check your smoke alarm every week. Press the button on the cover and it should make a sound. If it isn’t working, please give us a call
  • Check your home before you go to bed. Make sure you’ve turned off your oven and cooker, and extinguished cigarettes, candles etc. if you use them
  • Keep your home tidy and dispose of flammable items such as newspapers
  • Keep your internal doors closed, especially at night, to stop the spread of smoke and fire
  • Make sure you know what to do and where to go if a smoke alarm does go off during the night
  • Plan your escape route and make sure routes are clear and free from obstacles.

Cost of living and candle safety

House fires sparked by candles are at their highest level in more than a decade, likely due to the rising cost of gas and electric. If you’re using candles, please be mindful of their risks and:

  • Never leave lit candles unattended and always put them out when you leave the room - even for a moment.
  • Place candles carefully on a stable surface, out of the reach of pets and children.
  • Keep candles away from flammable objects like curtains, furniture, bedding and books.
  • Don’t move candles once they are lit and don’t leave them near open windows.
  • Do not burn several candles close together as this might cause the flame to flare.
  • Put candles out with a spoon to avoid any sparks flying.

 

More information on building safety, including what to do if you discover a fire in your home, can be found in your tenant safety booklet: Staying safe and secure in your Southway home or at www.southwayhousing.co.uk/safety.