Fires in the home can be devastating
In the past year there have been many incidents reported in our local area, including some at Coastline properties.
Accidents can happen, and your safety is important. Should a fire take hold in your home or garden, the please, do not try to tackle it yourself, but get to a safe distance and dial 999.
To help keep your household and local environment safe from the risk of fire, Coastline would like to share some simple steps you can take.
In your home
- Check your smoke and carbon monoxide alarms regularly and contact us immediately if you are concerned that they are not working. Do not cover or attempt to disconnect them from the mains power and only remove batteries if they need replacing.
- Candles should be used with caution and not left unattended or placed near flammable materials such as curtains.
- Cooking pans should also be closely monitored, especially when cooking with fat.
- Empty your tumble dryer lint tray regularly so as to avoid it catching fire. Turn off the machine at the mains when you have finished.
- If you smoke, ensure it is put out properly and not left in the home or garden to burn.
- Consider having a clear out and avoid piling items in rooms. Use a recycling collection for clothing or use online sites to sell or donate unwanted items: Cornwall Council recycling.
- Do not overload electrical sockets or use inappropriate extension leads (use un-coiled extensions and ensure the lead is suitably rated for what you are plugging in to it) and keep an eye on the condition of the cables - exposed wiring is a hazard.
- Lithium-ion batteries (i.e. e-bikes, e-scooters, mobility scooter) should only be charged whilst you are awake and in the home, follow the manufacturer’s approved charger and instructions when charging, do not cover chargers or battery packs or charge near combustible or flammable materials, do not overcharge and always unplug your charger when it’s finished charging. If you spot any signs of wear and tear or damage buy an official replacement battery or charger for your product from a reputable seller: E-bikes and Scooters fire safety guidance and Mobility Scooter Guidance
- Smoking in bed while using emollients (moisturising treatments) can be a hazard as these can be flammable and have caused a number of incidents.
- Paint and other highly flammable products should be stored or disposed of safely. Storing paint in wooden sheds is a fire risk so consider donating leftover paint to your community. Local groups such as Community RePaint welcome donations and may be able to arrange pick up.
You may be eligible for a free Fire Safety check in your home by the Cornwall Fire and Rescue Service: Fire Safety Checks.
They have produced this booklet which contains lots of very useful information: Fire Safety in the Home.
In your garden
- Garden sheds should be placed at the correct distance away from the house and any oil tanks. Your housing officer can give you the best advice for the size and location suitable for your property.
- Gas barbeque pipes should be regularly checked for leaks. Ensure they are turned off after each use.
- Charcoal and instant barbeques should not be emptied until the coals have fully cooled as hot coals can melt or ignite plastic bins.
- All barbeques should be on level ground and away from the property, fences, overhanging branches, and garden shrubs.
- Bonfires in your garden are not advised due to the potential risk of getting out of control. It can also be a nuisance or health hazard to your neighbours. Read more on this Cornwall Council bonfires page.
- Dispose of your garden waste through Cornwall Council's local recycling centres or the garden waste collection service.
- Burning household waste is an offence. Bulky items that cannot be collected in your usual rubbish collection or taken to the recycling centres should be disposed of through Cornwall Council's bulky items collection.
- Shop bought firepits or heaters can be an effective way to keep warm outside, on suitable surfaces. Please read the safety instructions carefully before use and do not use alcohol as an accelerant.
The Government has produced a useful booklet: Fire Safety Outdoors.
Domestic smoke alarms
Coastline Housing has installed domestic smoke alarms in your home.
It is essential that you test the fitted alarms regularly.
The videos below show you how to test the alarm, and how fire spreads quickly through a home.
Please remember to shut all doors at night - even a normal door will keep a fire at bay while you leave the building.
If you live in a flat, your entrance fire door must remain closed at all times.
Testing a smoke detector
How quickly a fire spreads
Charging a mobility scooter
Contact us
Don’t forget that if you have any further questions or need any advice about the above steps, please contact us either by phone on 01209 200200, email at customer.service@coastlinehousing.co.uk or through through My Coastline.