Fire safety for council tenants

Most council homes have smoke alarms fitted. If your home does not have a smoke alarm, call 0800 188 4000. We will arrange a temporary battery alarm until a mains-powered alarm can be installed.

Test your smoke alarms

West Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service recommends that you:

• test your smoke alarm every week
• vacuum the vents twice a year to remove dust
• never cover, remove or disconnect your alarm

Report a fault

Call 0800 188 4000 if your smoke alarm:

• beeps regularly
• goes off for no reason
• has repeated false alarms
• is missing or damaged

Stay safe when using candles by following these steps:

• keep candles away from curtains and anything else that can catch fire
• put candles out when you leave a room or go to bed
• never leave children alone with lit candles

If you smoke:

• make sure cigarettes are fully out before throwing them away
• never smoke in bed
• use a proper ashtray
• never leave a lit cigarette, cigar or pipe unattended
• keep matches and lighters away from children
• do not charge e-cigarettes overnight
• only use the charger supplied with your e-cigarette

To reduce the risk of fires in the kitchen:

• stay in the kitchen while cooking
• turn pans down or off if you need to leave the room
• keep tea towels and loose clothing away from heat
• turn cookers off when you have finished cooking
• keep electrical items away from water
• keep ovens, grills and hobs clean to stop grease building up
• keep toasters clean and away from anything that could catch fire
• never put metal items in a microwave

Deep fat frying

If you use a deep fat fryer:

• take extra care when cooking with hot oil
• dry food before putting it in oil
• turn the heat off if the oil starts to smoke
• use an electric fryer with a thermostat where possible

Heat can cause aerosols to burst. Keep aerosols away from:

• flames
• direct sunlight 
• heat
• people who are smoking

Reduce the risk of electrical fires by:

• keeping appliances clean and in good condition
• using the correct fuse
• buying products with recognised safety markings
• avoiding overloaded sockets and extension leads
• replacing damaged leads and cables
• unplugging appliances when not in use
• watching out for burning smells, hot plugs, scorch marks, flickering lights or fuses that keep blowing

Electric blankets

If you use an electric blanket:

• store electric blankets flat, rolled, or loosely folded
• unplug electric blankets before getting into bed, unless designed for overnight use
• check regularly for damage
• avoid buying second-hand electric blankets

Portables heaters

If you have a portable heater:

• place the heater securely so it cannot fall over
• keep it away from furniture and curtains
• never dry clothes on it

Lithium-ion batteries are used in e-bikes, mobility scooters, e-scooters, phones, tablets, laptops, cameras and e-cigarettes. If damaged, faulty or charged incorrectly, they can start fires very quickly. Most battery fires happen in people's homes and often while batteries are charging.

Charge batteries safely

To charge lithium-ion batteries safely:

• charge batteries on a hard, flat surface where heat can escape – use laptops on hard surfaces, not on bed or sofas
• never charge batteries in communal areas
• use only the charger designed for your battery or device
• buy replacement batteries and chargers from reputable sellers
• avoid counterfeit products and unapproved universal chargers
• do not leave batteries charging overnight, while you are asleep, or when you are out
• unplug chargers once batteries are fully charged

Warning signs of a faulty battery

Stop using and charging a battery if you notice:

• it becomes unusually hot
• it swells, bulges or leaks
• it makes hissing, popping or cracking noises
• it gives off a strong or unusual smell
• it takes much longer to charge or does not fully charge

If a battery starts smoking or catches fire, leave the area immediately, raise the alarm and call 999. 

E-bike conversion kits

E-bike conversion kits turn non-electric bikes into electric bikes. Make sure you:

• buy conversion kits from reputable sellers
• use the correct charger
• never alter or tamper with a battery
• have e-bike conversions carried out by a qualified professional

Second-hand batteries

Avoid second-hand batteries, as they may already be damaged and could fail without warning. 

Disposing of batteries

Never put lithium-ion batteries in household waste or recycling bins. Take them to a battery recycling point or Household Waste Recycling Centre (HWRC) where they can be disposed of safely. 

Your flat entrance door is specially designed to slow the spread of fire and smoke. It helps protect you, your neighbours and anyone using the escape routes.       

These doors include important fire safety features such as self-closing devices, fire-resistant seals and fire-resistant fittings.   

• Do not alter, remove or damage any part of the door.
• Never disconnect or wedge open the self-closing device.
• Make sure the door closes properly every time.
• Report any damage or faults straight away by calling 0800 188 4000.
• Allow access for fire door inspections when requested.

Keep communal areas clear and safe at all times:       

• do not leave furniture, rubbish, bikes, scooters, books, artificial flowers, or other items in communal areas
• do not charge batteries in communal areas or escape routes
• barbecues, wood burners, and candles are not allowed on balconies
• never throw cigarettes from balconies

Fires caused by rubbish or waste which has been incorrectly disposed of are very common. To prevent fires, make sure you:     

• put rubbish into small bags before using the chute
• do not force bags into the chute
• do not put loose boxes down the chute
• do not leave large items or furniture on landings

To keep sprinklers working properly:  

• do not paint sprinkler heads or pipework
• do not hang items from sprinkler heads
• do not cover, remove, or damage sprinkler heads
• do not use wallpaper steamers or paint strippers near sprinkler heads

If there is a fire in your flat, you should:

• alert any other people in the flat
• leave the flat and close the door after the last person
• follow the escape route
• never use the lift
• not go back to your flat until you have been told it is safe to do so         

If you are cut off by a fire:

• block the bottom of doorways with blankets or coats
• with the door shut, open the window and call for help
• call 999 if you can
• stay near the window
• if you are trapped in a high storey, lean out of the open window for fresh air until help arrives
• if the room gets too smoky, crouch to floor level where it will be easier to breathe
• if your flat is not too high from the ground, drop cushions or bedding to the ground below to break your fall - get out feet first and lower yourself down the full length of your arms before dropping