What is fire safety?
The safety of our residents is a top priority for us, and we are committed to going above and beyond when it comes to fire safety in our buildings. Fire safety is everyone’s responsibility, and it is important that we all work together to stay safe and help prevent fires.
We have an obligation to ensure that your home meets all relevant fire safety standards. We ensure that all our properties conform to rigorous fire safety standards, carrying out fire risk assessments and working with Hampshire Fire and Rescue Service to comply with all safety requirements.
Please read our Fire Safety Leaflet (easy-read version PDF 602KB) for more information.
What does Sanctuary do to ensure fire safety?
As your landlord, we:
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Regularly carry out fire risk assessments in our buildings that have communal or shared spaces.
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Test the communal fire alarms and emergency lighting regularly and check that fire doors are closing and exit routes are clear.
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Visit regularly to service and maintain all the equipment.
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Respond to fire alarm repairs within 24 hours.
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Check fire doors regularly, as they help stop fire and smoke spreading through a building.
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Inspect our blocks regularly to make sure that escape routes are clear.
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Install smoke control systems where necessary to keep them clear of smoke if there is a fire.
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Remove household and other flammable items from corridors or cupboards in communal hallways. As well as fuelling fires, these can block escape routes in an emergency.
In addition, for our rented customers we:
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Arrange a convenient time with every tenant to gain access to their property to service any appropriate fire detection equipment.
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We will fit smoke detectors and where necessary heat detectors in our properties. We will check and test them when they are located within internal communal areas of a building. Residents are responsible for checking and testing smoke detectors and heat detectors located inside their own properties.
What do you need to do?
As a resident, you are responsible for:
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Ensuring you are aware of the fire hazards in your home, and work to reduce the risk of fire.
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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.
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In buildings with communal spaces customers should refer to the Fire Action notices - usually found near fire exits including the front door.
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Never having a barbecue on your balcony and ensure anything stored on the balcony is fireproof.
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Cleaning the filters in your cooker hood regularly to prevent any build-up of grease and oil that could catch fire.
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Reading any information we send you about fire safety.
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Testing your smoke alarms every month. If an alarm starts bleeping, you need to change the battery immediately.
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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.
If you are deaf or hard of hearing, we have a text facility: 07800 006781 or we can connect you to a British Sign language interpreter.
Please read our Fire Safety Leaflet (easy-read version PDF 602KB) for more information.
We have provided some more detailed advice in the FAQs below on what you can do around your home to help reduce the risk of fire.