Your safety is our number one priority
We’ve put robust fire safety measures in place across all our homes and work closely with Derbyshire Fire and Rescue to make sure our standards are always the best they can be.
From carrying out regular checks to installing the right equipment, we’re here to protect you, your family and your community. On this page, you’ll find:
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The steps we take to keep your home safe
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Simple actions you can take every day to reduce fire risks
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Guidance on what to do if there’s ever an emergency.
Together, we can make sure you feel safe, secure and confident in your home.
Your safety is our number one concern, and we’ve put in place a range of robust measures to keep you protected in your home.
We regularly assess fire risks in multi-occupancy blocks and install fire alarm systems that meet British Standard guidelines where needed. Our partnership with Derbyshire Fire and Rescue ensures that fire safety procedures across all homes meet the highest standards, to keep you safe and secure.
We also have these preventative measures to ensure your home remains safe and well-maintained:
- Annual gas safety checks for all properties
- Regular fire risk assessments
- Six-monthly emergency light servicing in shared areas
- Ongoing electrical safety tests in communal spaces
- Frequent checks of communal areas within schemes
- Sprinkler systems in designated properties and sheltered schemes for older people
- Fire-safety qualified staff who are always ready to respond.
With these measures in place, we’re committed to keeping you safe, secure and confident in your home.
A working smoke alarm is your first line of defence against fire.
Check your electrical appliances for any signs of damage and avoid overloading sockets. Never leave washing machines or dryers running when you’re not home, and always clean the lint filter after use.
Candles should never be left unattended, and keep them away from anything that can catch fire, like soft furnishings. In the kitchen, always stay alert while cooking, and keep electrical appliances away from water.
If you smoke, make sure to fully extinguish your cigarettes, and always keep doors closed at night to slow the spread of smoke or fire.
By following these simple steps, you can help protect your home and loved ones.
For your safety, we operate a zero‑tolerance approach to anything that puts you or your neighbours at risk. If you live in a scheme or block with shared spaces, including stairways, these areas must remain clear at all times.
In a fire, any obstruction can block escape routes and stop emergency services getting in. Even small items like a bag of rubbish can create enough smoke to fill a stairwell. Flammable items add fuel to a fire, while non‑flammable items can slow your escape or prevent rescuers from reaching you quickly.
We do not allow anything to be stored in communal areas — this includes bikes, pushchairs and mobility scooters. If you notice items being left in shared spaces, please tell us. Anything left may be removed.
Fire doors are essential for containing fires and protecting your safety. Never prop them open. Report any damage or issues with self‑closing mechanisms immediately.
All exits must stay clear. By following these rules, we can all help keep our homes and neighbours safe.
It’s important to be familiar with the fire safety arrangements for your building. If you're unsure about the evacuation procedures, please contact us.
Your nearest exit is usually the best option, but always have a back-up plan in case it’s blocked. Consider including ground-floor windows as part of your escape route.
Make sure everyone in your household knows the escape plan, and practise it regularly. Smoke can quickly make it impossible to see during a fire, so it’s essential to be prepared and know exactly what to do.
Take a moment to plan. Being ready could make all the difference in an emergency.