Fire safety

We carry out annual gas checks, including checking boilers are safe, fit smoke alarms in all our properties and check all electrics at least every ten years.

High-risk buildings (e.g. over 18m or housing vulnerable residents) will have an FRA annually. All other buildings are assessed every three years. We carry out a thorough check to ensure the risk of fire starting and spreading is low. Assessments include:

• Fire door condition and compliance
• Escape route accessibility
• Emergency lighting and fire alarm checks
• Combustible material risks
• Signage adequacy
• Confirmation that the evacuation strategy remains appropriate

Quarterly inspections are carried out in high-risk buildings 11m and above. We have five blocks that fall into this bracket. These include checks to ensure:

• Doors close fully and securely
• Smoke seals and fire-resistant strips are intact
• Doors are free of damage or unauthorised alterations
• Doors are compliant and correctly installed

Remedial works are actioned if any issues are found. Moderate risk fire door works are placed on a planned programme. Substantial and intolerable risks are actioned as a priority. 

Regular block inspections are carried out by Neighbourhood Housing Officers and the cleaning team. These inspections ensure:

• Corridors and cupboards are free from personal possessions
• Fire doors function correctly
• Fire safety hazards are identified and removed promptly

We operate a Zero Tolerance approach to items stored in communal areas. These will be removed and may incur a charge to the resident for collection.

We also operate a managed approach, but this only relates to scheme that are staffed where the premises can be monitored.

We regularly service and test all key fire safety systems, including:

• Fire alarms (weekly tests and annual servicing)
• Emergency lighting (monthly tests and annual checks)
• Automatic opening vents (AOVs)
• Sprinklers (where fitted)
• Dry/wet risers
• Heat/smoke detectors

All actions from testing and servicing are recorded and monitored to completion.

All our communal blocks have clear information about what residents should do in the case of a fire.

There are two types of evacuation strategy: 'stay put' or 'simultaneous evacuation'. 

Stay put

In buildings with a Stay Put strategy, residents should remain in their homes unless directly affected by fire, smoke or instructed otherwise by the emergency services. These buildings are designed to contain fires within individual flats for a period of time. It’s important that front doors and communal fire doors are kept closed to help maintain this protection.

Simultaneous evacuation

Where this strategy is in place, all residents should evacuate the building immediately if the alarm sounds. This typically applies in buildings where a Stay Put strategy is not suitable, or during interim safety periods.
Residents will be informed where this applies, with clear instructions on what to do.

Buildings over 18m or seven storeys high are deemed high risk under government legislation. West Kent has one building of this type called Tennyson Lodge, Maidstone. West Kent does not own this building; we are a leaseholder. We will work closely with the building’s owner who is Kent County Council to ensure that:

• The building is registered with the Regulator
• A building Safety case is being prepared for inspection by the Regulator
• We carry out an annual fire risk assessment
• We carry out quarterly fire door inspections
• We maintain and check all the fire safety equipment
• We inspect your block to ensure communal areas are kept clear
• We listen to your views and communicate with you regularly on fire safety

Your safety is priceless, and testing your smoke alarm regularly is a small price to pay for peace of mind. It’s a simple action that could mean the difference between life and death in an emergency.

Ensure you have working smoke alarms installed on all levels of your home. It can give you the vital time you need to escape in a fire. Test them regularly and never remove batteries!

Have any gas cooker or other appliances checked every year by a Gas Safe registered engineer and service them regularly.

Fire doors are installed in many of our homes. They offer 30 minutes of protection against fire, prevent smoke from spreading, and give you the best chance of escaping should a fire break out.

Here's some guidance to help you look after your fire door and keep you and your family safe.

• Check the seals every three months, and report any issues to us straight away
• Wipe both sides of the door and the plastic frame every few months with a soft damp cloth and warm soapy water.
• Inspect the drainage holes in the threshold on a regular basis to ensure they aren’t blocked and are clear of debris.
• Make sure whenever the door is shut, you lift the handle. This allows the multipoint locking system to fully secure into the frame.
• Don't fit it anything to this door that would mean drilling into or through the door or its frame – including cat flaps or door numbers.
• Don't use solvents or aggressive cleaners on the door or its fittings.
• Don't use oil on the hinges, handles or locking system. If oiling is needed, use petroleum jelly or lithium grease.
• Don't paint the door.

You should also close bedroom doors at night, should fire start this could buy you precious time from the effects of smoke.

If you have any questions or concerns about your fire door, please get in touch. 

Please make sure you don't leave any personal items in communal areas, including meter or electrical cupboards, to ensure the fire escape routes are always clear.

We'll remove any items we find and will usually charge a fee to return them. Please contact us if you see rubbish or personal items in communal areas.

To reduce the risk of fire and its spread, please follow these rules if your home has a balcony. 

What is not allowed on my balcony

• Anything flammable, including gas canisters, charcoal, fireworks, petrol etc.
• BBQ’s, cooking equipment, firepits, patio heaters, chimineas
• Wooden, cardboard or paper items
• Decorating materials
• Bags of rubbish or recycling
• Screening or matting of any description including artificial grass, bamboo and rugs
• Any electrical items
• Permanent or semi-permanent structures such as sheds/storage cupboards
• Prams, pushchairs, and electric scooters
• A large number of children’s toys or playhouses

What is allowed on my balcony

• A small number of pot plants in a non-combustible material
• A small window box
• A small clothes airer
• A small table and chairs of a non-combustible material

Smoking in open areas is allowed but you should always make sure cigarettes or other smoking materials are completely extinguished in an ash tray and disposed of correctly. Cigarettes must never be thrown off balconies. 

 

Remember, knowing your fire exit isn’t just a suggestion – it’s your ticket to safety. 

Make sure your family and any visitors staying know what to do in an emergency. Tell them where you keep door and window keys so they can escape if a fire starts.

Unless you live in accommodation with specific fire instructions, in the event of a fire – get out, stay out and call 999 and ask for the fire service.

We’re all about keeping you safe and secure.

Please make sure we can gain access for any appointments we make for gas, electrics or other safety checks so we can make sure your home is the safest it can be. That little ring on the doorbell could be the first step toward safeguarding what matters most.

Power cables are the lifelines of our modern world, but avoid the temptation to daisy-chain power strips or overload outlets with multiple devices.

Spread your electrical load evenly across outlets to prevent overheating and minimise the risk of electrical fires. Make sure there's only one plug per socket. Always turn off electrical items when they’re not in use, unless designed to be left on, like freezers.

If you have any concerns about safety in your home - talk to us. We'll do everything we can to keep your home and family safe from fire and other risks. 

For information and useful videos on home and fire safety you can also visit Kent Fire and Rescue Service or speak to one of their home safety advisers on freephone 0800 923 7000.

 

Plug in and go the extra mile with fire-safe charging.

Charging your mobility scooter should be a safe experience that not only fuels your journey but also safeguards you against potential hazards.

When charging your mobility scooter, e-bike or e-scooter, it is important to:

• Remember you are not permitted to store or charge mobility scooters, e-bikes and e-scooters in communal areas as any items left there can block emergency exit routes and create a fire risk. This includes mobility storage facilities.
• Never block the escape route within your property with anything, including mobility scooters, e-bikes or e-scooters. Store them somewhere away from a main escape route.
• Always use the correct charger for the product and buy an official one from a reputable seller.
• Batteries can get warm during their use, and it is advisable to allow them to cool down before attempting to re-charge as they could be more likely to fail.
• Batteries should always be charged on hard surfaces where heat can disappear.
• Batteries can pose a risk if they have been damaged, so try to ensure they are not knocked while in use or when being carried as spares.
• Always make sure you unplug your charger once it is finished charging. Do not over charge the battery and follow manufacturers’ instructions.
• Ensure you have a working smoke alarm where you charge your mobility scooter, e-bike or e-scooter.
• Charge batteries whilst you are awake and alert. Do not charge batteries overnight while you are asleep or away from home.
• Do not charge batteries or store your mobility scooter, e-bike or e-scooter near combustible or flammable materials.

• Never leave cooking unattended. Most fires start in the kitchen so this is a high risk area. Be sure to avoid cooking while under the influence of alcohol. Always turn off kitchen appliances when you’ve finished cooking.
• Put your cigarette out - right out! Make sure your cigarette is fully extinguished and take care when under the influence of alcohol or tired. It’s very easy to fall asleep while your cigarette is still burning and start a fire.
• Never leave burning candles unattended. Keep candles out of the reach of children, and away from decorations, cards and wrapping paper, fires, lights and heaters.