Fire

Committed to fire safety

We are working in partnership with Dorset & Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service to see if there is anything more we could reasonably do to further improve fire safety.

Selwood Housing do not own any properties that are higher than four storeys and none of our properties have aluminium composite material (ACM) cladding which was the type of cladding on Grenfell Tower.

We need to work together to make sure you and your home stay safe.

We will:

• Carry out regular inspections of your smoke alarm to check that it's working properly. We'll repair and replace faulty battery alarms. If you're worried your alarm isn't working, get in touch.

• Ensure our staff check fire alarms in communal areas on a weekly basis and get specialist contractors to service the systems four times a year.

• Check the electrics in your home before your tenancy starts and during your tenancy, to make sure they're safe and working properly.

• Carry out regular fire risk assessments in the communal areas of our blocks of flats.

What you can do to ensure fire safety in your home :

• Check your smoke alarms are working throughout the year by pressing the 'test' button, and contact us if they aren't.
• Read fire safety details in the entrance hallway of your building.
• Make sure that your exits are clear from clutter, so you can get out if you need to. This is especially important in communal areas of blocks of flats. Please don't leave rubbish, bikes, prams or mobility scooters in communal hallways.
• Don't wedge fire doors open. Keeping them closed helps to slow down the spread of fire
  Plan an escape route in the event of a fire.
• Always stub your cigarettes out properly and use an ashtray. Please don't smoke in communal areas if you live in a block of flats.
• Make sure you don't overload your sockets with too many plugs. It's safest to unplug appliances when you've finished using them.
• We are happy to organise face-to-face sessions at your home so that you can ask us questions, request a test of your smoke alarm or provide us with other feedback. Dorset & Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service also provide a Safe and Well visit which is a free service.
• Our purpose built blocks of flats have a 'Stay put' policy in the event of a fire. This applies to blocks that are made of compartments that will stop fire and smoke from spreading. Check your 'Fire Action Notice' displayed in the communal area of where you live.
• Residents can report communal repairs or any other matters that they believe may compromise fire safety via our customer support team on 01225 715715. Also contact us if you're unsure whether the 'Stay put' policy applies to you.

To request a free Safe and Well visit, please call 0800 038 2323.

Want to find out some ways you can help prevent fires in your home?

Take a look at the video below for some different ways to help prevent the most common ways fires begin in homes, including smoking, candles and barbecues.

We have also shared a news item about the potential dangers of rechargeable lithium-ion batteries which are used in many household products including e-bikes, e-scooters, laptops and vapes!