Housing fire safety
Resident safety is of paramount importance to the City of London Corporation. We have an ongoing electrical safety programme where we routinely test and check our equipment including smoke alarms/CO detectors.
Make a request for Home Fire Safety Risk Assessment
Complete the form to tell us about your circumstances and request a fire risk assessment/personal emergency evacuation plan (PEEP).
Advice from the London Fire Brigade
The London Fire Brigade advises that people who live in high rise properties should:
- have a working smoke alarm
- make sure that know their escape plan
- know what to do if there is a fire somewhere in the building
If a fire breaks out in your building, the London Fire Brigade advises that people are usually safer staying in their home but that they should leave if fire or smoke is affecting their property and it is safe for them to do so.
If you do have to evacuate, there are standard notices in our blocks telling you what to do. We are looking at the wording of these notices to ensure they are clearer.
Fire escape routes are clearly signposted and emergency lighting is regularly checked. We do advise all households to make themselves familiar with fire escape routes. If you are unsure of yours, then please contact the Estate Services Team and a member of staff will be happy to visit you at home and show you the route.
The advice we, and the London Fire Brigade, give if there is a fire in your property is:
- alert everyone in your property
- leave, shutting all doors, without locking them
- if possible, alert neighbouring properties
- leave the building
- call 999 and wait for the fire service to attend. If safe to do so, wait by the entrance of the building to meet the fire service and to prevent anyone else entering the building
Carbon monoxide safety
Carbon monoxide (CO) is a highly poisonous gas that is produced by the incomplete burning of fossil fuels (coal, gas, oil or wood). You cannot taste, see, or smell CO which makes it difficult to detect. CO leaks can occur when appliances like boilers, cookers, heaters, gas fires and solid fuel burners are faulty, have been incorrectly fitted, or not regularly serviced. It can also occur if flues, chimneys or vents are blocked.
The London Fire Brigade (LFB) recommend fitting a CO alarm in all rooms containing fuel burning appliances and your bedroom to ensure that the alarm wakes you if you are sleeping. More information about carbon monoxide can be found on the LFB website, including symptoms of CO poisoning and warning signs to look out for in your home.
If you suspect CO poisoning:
- Leave the property immediately.
- If someone is showing signs of poisoning or has collapsed, get them outside, call 999 and ask for an ambulance.
- If you suspect CO poisoning, always seek immediate medical advice. See your doctor or go to hospital – let them know that you suspect CO poisoning. They can do a blood or breath test to check.
- Before you return to your home it is very important to call the 24 hour Gas Emergency Number on 0800 111 999 and tell them what has happened and receive safety advice (even if the suspected source of the CO is not a gas appliance).
- Do not re-enter the home until the source of the CO has been addressed/fixed by a qualified professional. You may need an engineer to inspect your appliances and flues to check that all is well.
- If you believe there is a danger from gas, contact the Gas Emergency Helpline on 0800 111 999.
Information from the London Fire Brigade
London Fire Brigade (LFB) with specific advice for tenants in flats and fire safety at home guidance. You can contact the LFB directly with any questions.