Stay fire-safe (pull content from Home Safety Guides..? - should this be triaged/split based on unique advice for houses vs. flats?)
Fire safety is a top priority for Be One Homes, and we work closely with Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service (GMFRS) to help minimise the risk and impact of fire.
It’s also crucial that you keep yourself safe and don’t do anything which could put you or other people at risk of injury from fire. In this section of our website, you’ll find important guidance and handy tips on staying fire safe.
You can watch our short video below for an overview.
Fire safety do's:
- Close doors at night.
- Check smoke detectors are working regularly.
- Unplug electrical appliances when not in use.
- Extinguish cigarettes properly and empty ash trays regularly.
- Make sure that any work affecting your gas supply or appliances is carried out by a qualified engineer registered with Gas Safe.
Fire safety don'ts:
- Keep matches away from children.
- Avoid using chip pans and never leave them unattended.
- Don't dry clothes around fires, heaters, or cookers.
- Don't block vents or grills on heaters.
- Don't prop Fire Doors open.
- Don't overload plug sockets.
- Don't block exits or escape routes.
- Don't keep inflammable or explosive substances in your home.
The importance of smoke detectors:
Smoke detectors save lives, so regularly check then and report any problems immediately.
The Fire Service recommends that you test your alarm weekly and replace the batteries once a year. Please remember that you are responsible for replacing the batteries.
You should also clean smoke detectors regularly. Vacuuming them is a good way to do it.
For further advice on fire safety, contact your local fire station or tap here to visit the Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service (GMFRS) website.
Fire safety planning:
Sync with Home Safety Guide
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- Sample Text
For tenants living in houses: what to do if there's a fire, smoke, or if the smoke alarm sounds:
Sync with Home Safety Guide..?
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For tenants living in flats: what to do if there's a fire, smoke, or if the smoke alarm sounds:
Sync with Home Safety Guide, rather than stay put policy poster..?
First up, some general advice to residents:
- Your building has been built in such a way as to protect the people in it if a fire breaks out. The important thing to remember is that if the fire starts in your home, it is up to you to make sure that you can get out of it.
- Make sure that the smoke alarms in your flat are tested.
- Do not store anything in your hall or corridor, especially anything that will burn easily.
- Use the fixed heating system fitted in your home. If this is not possible, only use a convector heater in your hall or corridor. Do not use any form of radiant heater there, especially one with either a flame (gas or paraffin) or a radiant element (electric bar fire).
If a fire breaks out in your flat:
If you are in the room where the fire is, leave straight away, together with anybody else, then close the door.
Do not stay behind to try to put the fire out, unless you have received suitable training.
Tell everybody else in your flat about the fire and get everybody to leave. Close the front door and leave the building.
Call the Fire Service.
If you see or hear of a fire in another part of the building:
It will usually be safe for you to stay in your own home.
You must leave your home if smoke or heat affects it or you are instructed to do so by the Fire Service. Close all doors and windows.
Call the Fire Service.
Calling the Fire Service:
The Fire Service should always be called to a fire, even if it only seems to be a small fire. This should be done straight away.
The way to call the fire service is by telephone as follows:
- Dial 999.
- When the operator answers, give the telephone number you are ringing from and ask for the Fire Service.
When you are put through to the fire service, tell them clearly where the fire is.
Do not hang up until the Fire Service have repeated the address to you and you are sure they have got it right. The Fire Service cannot help if they do not have the address.
Please let us know if you'd need help to evacuate in the event of a fire:
If you’d need help to evacuate in the event of a fire, you must tell us. This could be because of a disability, a sensory impairment, or if you have reduced mobility.
Please tell us by calling 01204 328000 or emailing us at buildingsafety@boltonathome.org.uk.
Related safety information (not final):
Fire Doors - why they're important
Keeping communal areas clear and safe
Home safety with mobility scooters, e-bikes/scooters, and similar devices
Safety information for residents of high-rise buildings
More fire safety advice on the Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service (GMFRS) website:
You can use that link to access GMFRS’ fire safety advice for both houses and flats, with expert advice on things like:
- smoke and heat alarms,
- cooking and kitchen safety,
- smoking at home,
- electricals,
- electric bikes and scooters,
- heating and candles,
- balcony safety,
- evacuation,
- Fire Doors,
- and more.
Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service offer free Home Fire Safety Assessments:
Colleagues from Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service may be able to visit your home and provide fire safety advice and equipment, depending on risk.
Have you downloaded your Home Safety Guide?
These guides contain information to help keep you and others safe, covering several areas such as Fire Safety and Asbestos.
We’ve created two versions: one for houses, and one for flats.
Please remember that these guides do not replace your Tenancy Agreement, which details your duties, as well as your rights as a tenant, and our duties as a landlord.
