What is fire safety?
Your safety is a top priority for us, and we are committed to going above and beyond when it comes to fire safety in our buildings.
We have an obligation to make sure that your home meets all relevant fire safety standards. We ensure that all our properties meet fire safety standards by carrying out fire risk assessments and working with experts.
What does Sanctuary do to ensure fire safety?
As your landlord, we:
- Regularly carry out fire risk assessments in our buildings that have communal or shared spaces.
- Test the communal fire alarms and emergency lighting regularly.
- Check that fire doors are closing and exit routes are clear.
- Service and maintain our equipment within the building.
- Respond to fire alarm repairs within 24 hours.
- Install smoke control systems where necessary.
- Keep household and other flammable items clear from corridors or cupboards in communal hallways.
If you rent from us, we will arrange a convenient time to gain access to your property to service any appropriate fire detection equipment. We will also fit smoke detectors and, where necessary, heat detectors in our properties. We will check and test them if they are located within internal communal areas of a building, but you are responsible for checking and testing smoke detectors and heat detectors within your room or property.
What do you need to do?
You are responsible for:
- Making sure you’re aware of the fire hazards in your home and working to reduce the risk of fire.
- Making sure everyone in the household knows what to do in the unlikely event of a fire. If you live in a property with internal communal areas, we will inform you of the fire evacuation strategy and the evacuation procedure to follow in the event of a fire within the building.
- In buildings with communal spaces, refer to the Fire Action notices - usually found near fire exits including the front door.
- Never having a barbecue on your balcony and ensure anything stored on the balcony is fireproof.
- Cleaning the filters in your cooker hood regularly to prevent any build-up of grease and oil that could catch fire.
- Reading information we send you about fire safety.
- Testing your smoke alarms every month. If an alarm starts bleeping, you need to change the battery immediately.
- Calling us on 0800 131 3348 if you spot any fire safety issues, such as faulty fire doors or emergency lights, or if you see rubbish or other items stored in communal areas.
We also have a text facility for those with hearing impairments: 07800 006781 or we can connect you to a British Sign Language interpreter.
Fire safety FAQs
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