Sheltered Times News and Views for Sheltered Housing residents ISSUE 14: Autumn 2017
Play your part in staying safe from fire The tragic fire at Grenfell Towers has made every council review its fire safety procedures and Havering Council has been doing the same. A new Housing Fact Sheet – Fire safety in sheltered housing has been prepared and Scheme Officers are visiting every resident to explain about fire safety in your home, check the smoke alarm is working properly and that fire doors are in place and working. If a fire happens If a fire breaks out in your flat get out as quickly as you can, don’t collect anything but get out and pull the nearest emergency cord to tell us where the fire is so we can get the fire brigade there as quickly as possible. If a fire in your scheme is NOT in your flat then stay put until the fire brigade come and rescue you. All sheltered housing flats are designed to contain a fire within it for up to one hour which is more than enough time for other residents to be rescued safely. Smoking and clutter If you smoke it is important to make sure you put your cigarette out properly and please remember you can’t smoke in communal areas. London Fire Brigade tell us that clutter on fire paths is a major problem for people as they evacuate, especially if the emergency is at night, and causes problems for fire-fighters trying to get to the fire. Because of this advice we are cracking down on items left in communal areas, including on balconies which are fire exit routes. If you have anything Housing Se
- fire safety in rvices factsheet Sheltered Hou sing Keeping safe
in your hom
e
There are many simple measu home. The followi res ng advice can you can take to help preven help to keep t a fire in your you and your visitors safe.
Give yoursel
f time to esc
ape
• Sheltered propert ies are fitted to the Telecar with smoke e respond to a Response Team. The Telecardetectors which are linked smoke detecto e team will immed call directly r activation iately to the and Sheltered Schem Fire Brigade in the case will raise an emergency of a fire, or a e. suspected fire • Havering and at a The test their smoke London Fire Brigade recomm detector once end that shelter and speakin weekly. This g to is done by pressin ed residents them you are the Telecare Response g the button Team when testing. If your they answer urgently to your smoke to tell Sheltered Schem detector fails to call throug • Where shelter e Officer who h to Telecar ed residents will arrange are classified assist to test an urgent repair.e report this the smoke detecto as vulnerable the Shelter • Additional r weekly during fire sensors a welfare visit. ed Scheme Officer will are available Sheltered Schem for people e Officer will fire sensors be able to advise with hearing or sight impairm will always be you on options ent, your discussed during • London Fire . The need your Shelter Brigade will ed Support Reviewfor additional carry please speak to your Shelter out a free Home Fire Safety s. ed Scheme Officer Visit for Haverin • Fire doors fitted g residents, if this is of interes to your home are designed t to you. to resist flames should not be remove d, your interna damag allowin ed or wedge g time l fire d open – they Sheltered Schem doors have been altered for you and your visitors to be rescued in any way this e Officer as . If a matter of should • Close interna be discussed urgency. l doors at night with your to prevent fire • Please comply from spread with the require ing. • It is import ment to have ant that you gas appliances advise your friends or family checked annual Sheltered staying over. ly. emergency This informationScheme Officer whenever when everyo you have is vital ne has to be accounted for. to the London Fire Brigade in a fire Remem
ber:
IF THERE IS
NEVER use
A FIRE IN YOUR
a lift • Do not
HOME
try to fight
www.haverin
the fire yourse
lf • Call 999
g.gov.uk/Fir eSafety
from any phone Page 1
there – even just a door mat or potted plant – please remove it today as if you don’t the Council will be removing and disposing of anything left on fire paths. If you have a mobility scooter it must not be charged inside buildings and we can provide scooter sheds where your vehicle can be recharged safely – ask your Scheme Officer if you need one. Watch where you park There has also been a number of cases where vehicles have been parked on yellow hatched areas in some sheltered housing schemes. Parking on the fire path These are areas which MUST be kept clear as they provide access for the fire brigade and other emergency services so please don’t park on these areas as your selfishness could cost someone else their life. More information www.havering.gov.uk/FireSafety
Tell us what you want You should have recently received a survey through the post seeking your views on a range of Housing Services, including sheltered housing. Please complete the survey and return it in the freepost envelope provided as soon as possible. Every survey received will go in to a prize draw and you could win one of 12 vouchers worth £50 to spend at one of your favourite stores. More information www.havering.gov.uk/TenantsSurvey