Fire safety

We carry out regular fire risk assessments on the communal areas of your building, but there are also things you can do to help:

• Don't obstruct the communal areas, which often form the fire escape route for the block
• Don't prop open fire doors in communal areas
• Don't clutter the stairs, corridors and landings with personal items or things that can catch fire easily
• Don't store prams, bicycles or mobility scooters in communal areas without our permission. You won't get permission if the fire safety of the block is put at risk
• If you see anything in the communal areas that doesn't belong there, remove it, or tell us and we will arrange removal
• Don't store flammable materials in cupboards that have electrical circuits in them
• Make sure you put all rubbish in the bins provided - don't leave it lying around in the refuse area, as this can easily be set on fire.

The government's website has more information about how to stay safe from fire.

Red Kite homes do not generally have solid fuel appliances, such as open fires, log burners and similar. All our homes have well-maintained heating systems that do not involve solid fuel, so the use of solid fuel appliances is not necessary to heat any of our homes.

However, some homes have had solid fuel appliances in the past. When a home becomes vacant, we will remove or brick up any existing solid fuel appliances so that they cannot be used by the new tenants.

Red Kite does not allow retrospective installation of solid fuel devices or appliances in any of our homes.

Maintenance

If a home hasn’t been vacant for some time, we may not have removed/bricked up a solid fuel appliance, such as a fireplace. In these instances, we are responsible for the cleaning and safety checks of any existing chimneys, but this is something that will be recharged to you. Red Kite will attend your home to check and clean your chimney once a year. Alternatively, if you are a tenant with an existing fireplace, please let us know if you would like us to brick it up.

If you have any queries about a solid fuel appliance or device in your home, please contact us.

Outdoor activities are often a great way to spend your leisure time, but they have their own set of unique fire risks that should not be underestimated. However, some common sense preparation can ensure you have a safe and enjoyable experience.

• For more general information about fire safety, take a look at our Fire Safety Policy.

If you’d like to build a permanent firepit or barbecue in your garden, you’ll need to get permission from us first.

• Find out more about how to request permission, and what information you’ll need to give us.

General safety

• Make sure your barbecue or firepit is in good working order
• Ensure the barbecue or firepit is on a flat surface, well away from anything that might catch fire, like a shed, trees or fences
• Never use a barbecue or firepit on a balcony – this is very dangerous for you and your neighbours
• Never use a barbecue or firepit indoors as there is a real risk of creating dangerous carbon monoxide gas
• Keep children, garden games and pets well away from the cooking area
• Never leave the barbecue or firepit unattended, particularly if children are nearby
• Keep a bucket of water or sand nearby for emergencies
• Ensure the barbecue or firepit is cool before attempting to move it.

Gas, charcoal or firepit - top tips for staying safe

Gas barbecues

• Make sure the tap is turned off before changing the gas cylinder
• Always change cylinders outdoors, and store new cylinders outside
• If you suspect a leak to the cylinder or pipework, brush soapy water around the joints and watch for bubbles – tighten to fix but do not overtighten
• After cooking, turn off the gas cylinder before turning off at the controls to ensure any residual gas in the pipework is used up.

Charcoal barbecues

• Use only enough charcoal to cover the base to a depth of about 50mm (2 inches)
• Only use recognised fire lighters or starter fuel, and only on cold coals – use the minimum necessary and never use petrol
• Never put hot ashes straight into a dustbin or wheelie bin – they could melt the plastic and cause a fire.

Firepits

• Place or build your firepit in a flat, open area. Avoid areas with trees, especially trees with low-hanging branches. Do not place a moveable firepit on a slope
• When purchasing a firepit, always buy the fire screen for extra protection, if available
• When possible, place your pit on concrete, dirt, or gravel. Avoid placing the pit on or around grass or leaves, and never light a pit if the grass it is on is too dry
• Ensure seating is not made of flammable materials and is positioned for enjoyment without danger. 3 metres is the perfect distance away from the fire.

Tumble dryers are a useful addition to any household - but only when they're used safely.

• Always remember to register a new appliance with the manufacturer. That way you can be contacted easily if a safety recall is required. You can also register your appliance, regardless of its age
• Use Electrical Safety First's free online checker to see if your tumble dryer or any other electrical items have been recalled
• If you're worried about fitting a new tumble dryer (or any other appliances) yourself, always ask a qualified electrician.

Find out more about tumble dryer safety.

Oxygen is a colourless, odourless gas that makes up roughly 21% of air that we breathe.

People can be provided with oxygen for use at home if they have a severe respiratory condition. This equipment usually includes oxygen cylinders or portable units.

When this oxygen is being used indoors, the increased amount of oxygen in the room and the surrounding environment means there is an increase in risk if a fire starts: the added oxygen will increase the intensity of a fire.

Top Tips:

• Never smoke or vape, or let anyone else do so while oxygen is in use.
• Keep internal doors open to keep the area well ventilated.
• Switch off the oxygen unit when it’s not being used.
• Don’t use oxygen equipment near fires or naked flames.
• Don’t cook whilst using oxygen.
• Don’t use paraffin/petroleum-based creams – for example, Vaseline - when using oxygen. Speak to a health professional who will provide you with a safer alternative.
• Don’t use aerosols sprays, such as hairspray or deodorant, while using oxygen.
• If you are a smoker, you should wait at least half an hour before you smoke after using oxygen. Always make sure your cigarette is extinguished properly. You should also wait 30 minutes before using any other source of heat – for example, a cooker, electric blanket, hair dryer, or straighteners.
• Oxygen tubing should not trail near heat sources.

When storing your oxygen cylinders, it is important that they’re stored in a secure, upright position to stop them falling over. They should be in a well-ventilated, dry space away from any heat sources, paint, oil, grease, or any other combustible materials.

Let us know

As part of our commitment to keeping our homes safe and secure, we need to know if any of our tenants are currently storing oxygen cylinders within their home.

If you are a tenant who needs to store oxygen, and you’ve not told us before, please send us a quick email at compliance@redkitehousing.org.uk.

The Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Alarm (Amendment) Regulations 2022 came into place on 1st October 2022. From this date, all relevant landlords have had to ensure at least one smoke alarm is equipped on each storey where there is a room used as living accommodation.

We also comply with British Standard Code BS 5839. All our homes have fire detection systems, and the vast majority are fitted at a minimum standard of LD2 as outlined in the code.