Safety & guidance

Fire safety

Keeping you safe is our top priority, and we are committed to ensuring your home is well-equipped to minimise the risk of fire. In addition to our works, you can also help to keep your home safe.

Our safety procedures

Every year, we arrange to check your gas and boiler systems and your smoke alarms. If you live in a block, we also carry out Fire Risk Assessments every year or every two years (depending on your block).

The findings from our visits to your home, whether to check your boiler or assess your building, help us to constantly maintain a clear picture of how your home is protecting you.

If we arrange an appointment with you, either to carry out fire safety works or to check your gas boiler system, please let us in at the agreed time so that we can help keep your home safe.

If you have concerns about any of our fire safety practices, please email them to firesafety@wcht.org.uk. You can get in touch on this email at any point, even outside of our standard complaints procedure, and we’ll address it.

How you can help to prevent fires at home

For a full guide to fire safety and information on how to make sure you know what to do in the event of a fire, you can visit Hertfordshire Fire and Rescue’s website.

For more information on our policies and how to keep safe in your home, take a look at our fire safety FAQs below.

Fire Safety FAQs

What do I do if a fire starts within the communal area of my block?

If a fire breaks out in a communal area of your building, stay put within your flat.
Make sure your front door is closed along with any other doors that will help to create distance between you and the fire.
Call 999 and report the fire.
If you have no phone, try to attract outside attention from your window.
Open the window furthest from the fire to let fresh air in.

What do I do if a fire starts within my home?

If a fire starts in your home, you should leave immediately, closing the door behind you.
You should alert everyone in your home there is a fire and get them out quickly.
Close all doors behind you including the front door to your property.
If possible, you should warn immediate neighbours of the fire.
You should not try to put the fire out, but get out, stay out and dial 999 to report the fire.
You should not use your buildings lifts in an emergency.
Once outside of the building, you should get to a safe distance from the property and call 999 to report the fire.

How can I prevent a fire within my home/block?

Test your smoke alarm. During your annual gas appointment, we’ll check your smoke alarms, but regular testing can reassure you throughout the year.
Register your appliances. If you register your appliances (like fridges and washing machines) the manufacturer will email you to let you know if there are any faults, and therefore keep you safe from electrical fires.
Keep your home free from hazardous materials. Chemicals like paint or petrol should be stored outside, as they could increase the risk of fire. Also, please do not store items in electrical cupboards or corridors as they become fire and/or trip hazards.
Dispose of cigarette butts safely. If you smoke inside, please make sure your cigarettes are fully extinguished in a safe way.
It is a good idea to familiarise yourself with your surroundings and have an escape plan in the event of a fire.
You must not smoke within communal areas.
You should never throw cigarettes off a balcony or out of the window.
You shouldn’t use any form of barbeque on a balcony or within a communal area.
You should always keep escape routes clear, allowing residents to escape quickly in the event of a fire.
You should test your smoke alarms monthly to make sure that they are undamaged, and in full working order.
You should never disconnect or remove the batteries from your smoke alarm.

Fire safety

Our safety procedures

How you can help to prevent fires at home

Fire Safety FAQs

Useful links

Fire safety in high-rise blocks

Looking after your home

Aids & adaptations

Anti-social behaviour