Help to keep everyone safe
Since the awful tragedy at Grenfell Tower in 2017, it is important that we are all more aware of fire safety. Everyone living in our flats has a responsibility to keep themselves and their neighbours safe.
As a landlord, we have a legal responsibility for managing the communal areas of our properties. We need to make sure they are safe for residents and meet fire and safety requirements. This means ensuring there are no obstructions that would make it difficult for you to get out of the building in the case of emergency or fire, or which may prevent the Emergency Services from accessing the property to fight a fire or to evacuate the building.
It is therefore important that internal communal areas and external walkways are not used to store your personal possessions or rubbish. Communal areas include:
- stairwells
- landings
- entrance halls
- communal walkways
- corridors
- meter and store cupboards
- drying areas
We carry out a zero-tolerance approach to items left in communal areas. Any items found in communal areas will receive a 24-Hour Notice. Failure to remove the items by the resident after 24 hours will result in the items BEING TAKEN AWAY AND DISPOSED OF. Please note that particularly hazardous items WILL BE REMOVED IMMEDIATELY.
This advice is for the safety of you and your neighbours. If you have any concerns, please visit www.kent.fire-uk.org and search ‘high rise accommodation’.
Steps you can take
- It is important to ensure everyone in your home is aware of what to do if a fire breaks out, so you can all escape as quickly and safely as possible
- Plan your escape route together, so everyone knows what to do
- Make sure passages and stairways are always clear of things like rubbish bags, doormats, prams, bikes, mobility scooters, or furniture. Fire smoke makes it difficult to see ahead, so these objects could stop people from escaping.
If you would like any more advice on fire safety, please contact us.