Fire Safety

Annual fire door inspections 
Gateway carries out regular inspections of flat front doors and self-closing devices to ensure they continue to perform as intended.

If we contact you to arrange an inspection, please help us by providing access to your property. 

Fire safety 
While security is important, it should never compromise fire safety.

• Fire doors should never be wedged open 
• Escape routes and exits must remain accessible
• Security measures must not obstruct emergency evacuation routes

Smoke and heat alarms provide an early warning if a fire starts in your home, giving you and your family valuable time to get out safely. 

Testing your alarms 
We recommend testing your alarms at least once a month by pressing the test button. Regular testing helps ensure your alarms will work when you need them most. 

Looking after your alarms 

• Test them regularly
• Remove dust using a vacuum cleaner or soft cloth
• Replace batteries when required
• Never remove batteries unless replacing them immediately
• Never cover, paint over or tamper with an alarm 
• Do not ignore low-battery warning beep 

If an alarm is faulty 
If you think an alarm is not working correctly, or you are unsure whether your home has the correct number of alarms, please contact us. 

Additional support 
Some residents may need specialist alarms or alert systems. If you think you or someone in your household may need additional support, please let us know. 

If you are missing a smoke detector, please contact us at:  020 8709 4300 or  customerservices@gatewayhousing.org.uk  

Carbon monoxide (CO) is a poisonous gas that cannot be seen, smelt or tasted. 

Common sources 
Carbon monoxide can be produced by: 

• Gas boilers and water heaters  
• Gas cookers and ovens  
• Wood-burning stoves  
• Open fires  
• Portable heaters  

Know the symptoms 
Symptoms can include:

• Headaches  
• Dizziness  
• Nausea  
• Fatigue  
• Confusion

Protecting your household 
You can reduce the risk by: 

• Having appliances serviced regularly
• Keeping vents clear
• Never using BBQs or generators indoors 
• Testing carbon monoxide alarms regularly

If your alarm sounds 

• Open doors and windows
• Turn off appliances if safe to do so  
• Leave the property
• Call the National Gas Emergency Service on 0800 111 999

If you are missing a carbon monoxide detector in your home please contact us at: 020 8709 4300 or   customerservices@gatewayhousing.org.uk  

Some residents may need additional support in the event of a fire. 

What is a PCFRA? 
A Person-Centred Fire Risk Assessment looks at how a person's individual circumstances could affect their safety during a fire. 

Who may benefit? 
This may include residents who:

• Have mobility difficulties
• Have hearing or sight impairments
• Live with dementia or memory-related conditions
• Receive support from carers

Personal Emergency Evacuation Plans (PEEPs) 
Where appropriate, a Personal Emergency Evacuation Plan may be developed to help residents remain safe during an emergency.

How Gateway can help 
If you think you may need additional support, please contact us. 

The kitchen is one of the most common places for accidental fires to start. 

Never leave cooking unattended 
If you need to leave the kitchen, even briefly, switch off the hob and remove pans from the heat. 

Keep your cooking area clear 

• Keep tea towels and packaging away from heat 
• Avoid loose clothing while cooking
• Keep children and pets away from hot surfaces 

Take extra care with oil 
Never leave hot oil unattended. 
If a pan catches fire: 

• Do not use water
• Turn off the heat if safe to do so
• Leave the room and close the door
• Call 999

Before leaving the kitchen 
Always check that: Hobs are off 

• Ovens are off
• Grills are switched off
• Combustible materials are cleared away

Electrical faults are a common cause of accidental fires. 

Buying safely 

• Purchase from reputable retailers  
• Follow manufacturer's instructions  
• Register appliances where possible

Avoid overloading sockets 

• Avoid using multiple adaptors together 
• Fully unwind extension reels before use
• Do not overload extension leads

Check for signs of damage 
Look out for:

• Frayed cables  
• Burn marks  
• Cracked plugs  
• Overheating sockets  

Charging devices safely 

• Use the correct chargerAvoid charging on beds or sofas
• Avoid covering chargers
• Do not leave devices charging unnecessarily

For information on rechargeable batteries, see our Lithium Battery Safety guidance. 

There's nothing quite like a summer BBQ, but barbecues can pose a serious fire risk if they are not used safely. 

Where you can use a BBQ 

• BBQs must never be used on balconies
• Always use your BBQ outdoors and away from buildings
• Position your BBQ on level ground away from fences, sheds and garden furniture

Lighting your BBQ 

• Use approved firelighters or BBQ lighting products
• Never use petrol, paraffin or other flammable liquids
• Never leave a BBQ unattended while it is lit

Children and pets 

• Keep children and pets away from the cooking area
• Be mindful of trip hazards around the BBQ

Smoking remains one of the leading causes of fatal fires in the home. 

Smoke safely 

• It's safer to smoke outdoors where possible
• Never smoke in bed
• Avoid smoking on sofas or armchairs
• Never leave a lit cigarette unattended

Use ashtrays properly 

• Use a sturdy ashtray that cannot easily tip over
• Make sure cigarettes are fully extinguished
• Empty ashtrays carefully and only when contents are cold 

Thinking about quitting? 
Stopping smoking can improve your health and significantly reduce the risk of fire in your home. Support is available through NHS stop smoking services.

Candles can create a warm atmosphere, but they can also cause serious fires if left unattended. 

Using candles safely Never leave a lit candle unattended 

• Always extinguish candles before leaving a room or going to bed
• Use a suitable heat-resistant holder
• Place candles on a stable surface 

Keep candles away from hazards 
Keep candles away from:

• Curtains 
• Furniture 
• Bedding 
• Decorations 
• Paper and cardboard items 

Tea lights and scented candles 
Tea lights can become extremely hot. 

• Always use them in an appropriate holder
• Never place them directly onto furniture or plastic surfaces

Before leaving the room 
Check that all candles, incense sticks and oil burners have been fully extinguished. 

A safer alternative 
Battery-operated LED candles provide a similar effect without the risk of an open flame.

Many house fires start at night when people are asleep. Taking a few minutes to carry out some simple checks before bed can help keep you, your family and your neighbours safe. 

Before you go to bed 
Take a moment to: 

• Close all internal doors to help slow the spread of fire and smoke
• Turn off and unplug electrical appliances that are not designed to stay on overnight
• Check that your cooker, hob and oven are switched off
• Avoid running washing machines, tumble dryers and dishwashers while you sleep 
• Turn off portable heaters
• Extinguish candles, cigarettes and other open flames completely
• Make sure hallways and escape routes are clear 

Check your smoke alarms 
Smoke and heat alarms provide an early warning if a fire starts. 

• Test your alarms regularly
• Replace batteries when required
• Report faulty alarms as soon as possible

Plan your escape 
Everyone in your household should know: 

• The quickest way out of the property
• Where keys are kept
• What to do if a fire occurs

Planning ahead can save valuable time during an emergency. 

Remember 
A few simple checks before bed can significantly reduce the risk of fire in your home.

Lithium-ion batteries are commonly found in phones, tablets, laptops, power tools, e-bikes, e-scooters and many other rechargeable devices. While generally safe, damaged or poorly used batteries can cause serious fires. 

Charge batteries safely Always use the charger supplied with the device or a manufacturer-approved alternative

• Follow the manufacturer's instructions
• Charge batteries on a hard, flat surface
• Avoid charging devices on beds, sofas or other soft furnishings
• Avoid charging batteries near escape routes such as hallways and doorways

Do not leave batteries charging unattended 
Where possible: 

• Avoid charging devices overnight
• Do not leave batteries charging when you are away from home
• Unplug chargers once charging is complete

Look out for warning signs 
Stop using the battery immediately if you notice: 

• Overheating
• Swelling or bulging
• Leaking fluids
• Strange smells
• Smoke or discolouration

If it is safe to do so, move away from the device and seek specialist advice. 

E-bikes and e-scooters 
Take extra care when charging e-bikes and e-scooters. 

• Only use approved batteries and chargers
• Never modify batteries
• Do not store or charge them in communal areas, hallways or escape routes
• Follow all manufacturer guidance

• Recycle batteries at an appropriate recycling point
• Follow local authority guidance for disposal

Every building displays Fire Action Notices to explain what residents and visitors should do in the event of a fire. 
These notices provide important information about: 

• Your building's evacuation strategy
• What actions to take during an emergency
• How to leave the building safely if evacuation is required

Planning Ahead 
It is a good idea to think about how you would respond in an emergency. 
Consider: 

• The quickest way out of your home
• An alternative route if your usual route is unavailable
• Where keys are kept
• How you would call for help if needed

If someone in your household has mobility difficulties or may need assistance in an emergency, please contact us so we can discuss what support may be available.