Tessa's Ten Top Tips for tenants on fire safety
- Don't use a chip pan.
- Be very careful with matches, any naked flames such as lit candles, and don't use calor gas fires (these will often by prohibited by the terms of your tenancy agreement anyway)
- Don't disable any fire precautions provided by the landlord, such as smoke alarms or fire door closures. If you do this you may be making yourself liable if there is any fire damage
- If there are gas installations in the property and the landlord has not provided you with a gas certificate (which should be provided when you first go in and then every year), ask him for this. If he still does not provide it, speak to your local Health & Safety Executive. (See also the separate Tips on gas safety)
- Ask your landlord if he has had a recent electrical installation safety check. If he has not, try to persuade him to do this if you are worried about the wiring (and particuarly if the wiring seems old).
- If you have a wood or coal fire, make sure that chimneys and flues are cleaned regularly.
- If you live in an HMO, check that your landlord has a license from the Local Authority (although this may only be required if the property has three or more storys). Note that he will have more legal reponsiblities as regards fire safety.
- Don't block doors and corridors as this will hamper your escape in case of fire.
- Always make sure that cigarettes are stubbed out properly (if your landlord allows smoking) and don't smoke in bed.
- Discuss with your other tenants what you would do in case of fire, and make an escape plan. If there are a lot of you sharing, put this up on the wall.
Notes:
Members can read FAQ and articles on all the points covered here.
