Safety features you will find in your home and block
What to do if you discover a fire
3 steps if you discover a fire (advice from the London Fire Brigade)
Step 1. Raise the alarm by shouting “fire, fire”.
Attempt to alert others by shouting, but do not put yourself in danger by trying to make physical contact with neighbours.
Step 2. If you are not in your own or someone else’s home, evacuate the building immediately if it is safe to do so.
Try to leave the building by the most direct route that does not expose you to smoke or flames.
Step 3. Telephone the Fire Brigade on 999.
What if a fire breaks out in my home?
If the fire is behind a closed door do not try to open the door or tackle the fire. Tell everyone in your home to leave immediately. Leave by the nearest exit door from your home (that leads to a route out of the building) closing it shut behind you. Do not stay behind to put the fire out. Do not use the lift. Call the fire service – dial 999.
What if a fire breaks out in another part of my block?
Stay put until the fire service says it is safe to leave. You should only leave immediately if smoke or heat affects your home or if you are told to by the fire service. if you leave, close the front door.
What if I have to evacuate the building?
Do not use the lifts as they are not fireproof, and you may get trapped in the lift if the fire causes a power failure. Do not stop to collect personal belongings as this will delay your evacuation and carrying belongings may hinder your own and other peoples’ escape. Do not re-enter the building until authorised to do so.
Fire safety checklist
- When you go to bed, make sure that you have closed all internal doors.
- Take care in the kitchen – most fires start here, so never leave your cooking unattended and take extra care with hot oil.
- Preferably do not use candles, but if you do, never leave lit candles unattended.
- Preferably do not smoke but if you do, make sure cigarettes are stubbed out and disposed of carefully and never smoke in bed.
- Do not smoke in the communal areas or escape routes.
- Do not use Calor gas, paraffin heaters and avoid electric bar fires wherever possible. Instead use plug-in radiators with safety electric plugs.
- Do not block or store items in corridors or hallways inside your home or in the communal areas you may need to use these areas when it is dark or there is smoke.
- Do not overload electrical sockets, do not cover heating appliances, or leave lit candles or heaters close to curtains or furniture.
- Ensure electrical equipment is regularly inspected and serviced.
Escape routes
- Familiarise yourself with the escape routes from your home and the communal areas (including any alternative escape routes).
- Do not block the escape routes. These must be always kept clear.
- Do not fit metal gates or grilles over doors and escape windows as these may trap you inside the flat, may hinder others escape if left open and will make it difficult for the London Fire Brigade to rescue you in an emergency.
Smoke alarms
- Make sure there is a smoke alarm is fitted within the hallway opening onto the escape route.
- If you are a Council tenant there should already be a smoke alarm in your flat which you should test weekly. If not, please contact the THH Housing Service Centre on 020 7364 5015.
- If you are a leaseholder, fit smoke alarms on each floor and test them once a week.
- The Fire Brigade provides FREE home fire safety checks and will give you a free smoke alarm. You can book an appointment online at london-fire.gov.uk or phone them on 0800 028 44 28.
You can also follow us on social media to see our fire safety guidance
📣It’s important for all of us to do all we can to stop fire spreading
— Tower Hamlets Homes (@THHomes) September 24, 2022
Watch our short fire safety video on 7 easy ways to help keep yourself and your neighbours safe!
For more fire safety advice go to our website https://t.co/GGB6NsmsF5 pic.twitter.com/GNsUo6A0E4