Fire Safety

Your safety is our priority at Teign Housing. We are committed to providing safe homes for all our residents by ensuring the highest standards of fire safety across all our properties.

• Regular Fire Risk Assessments: We carry out regular fire risk assessments in communal areas of our buildings and take prompt action to address any findings.
• Fire Safety Equipment: Our properties are fitted with fire safety measures, including smoke detectors, fire alarms, and emergency lighting, which are tested and maintained regularly.
• Clear Escape Routes: We ensure that communal areas and escape routes are kept clear at all times, so they are ready to use in the event of an emergency.

Fire doors play a critical role in protecting lives by stopping the spread of smoke and fire. Please help us maintain their effectiveness by:

• Keeping fire doors closed and never propping them open.
• Reporting any damaged fire doors or missing seals to us immediately.

For more detailed information about the importance of fire doors, take a look at our Fire Door Safety Leaflet.

Mobility scooters must be stored safely to prevent fire risks and keep escape routes clear. If you own or are planning to use a mobility scooter in your building:

• Permission is Required: You need written permission from us to store or charge a mobility scooter in communal areas.
• Safe Storage: Scooters must not block escape routes or be stored in unsuitable locations.
• Apply for Permission: To request permission, please visit our Aids and Adaptations page.

You can also read our Mobility Scooter Policy and Procedures for full details on safe use and storage.

While we do our part, there are also simple steps you can take to reduce fire risks in your home:

1. Test Your Smoke Alarms: Test your smoke alarms at least once a month to ensure they are working.
2. Keep Escape Routes Clear: Keep hallways and exits free from clutter.
3. Report Fire Safety Concerns: If you notice a fire safety issue, such as a blocked exit or faulty fire alarm, report it to us immediately.

For more detailed advice on fire safety in the home, visit Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue’s website.

In the event of a fire in your home, make sure you and your family leave quickly and find somewhere safe nearby. Once safe, call 999 and report the fire.

If you live in a flat, you should follow the information on the Fire Action Notices, which are displayed in prominent positions throughout the building. This will provide information on what to do if there is a fire in your block. Remember, the lift should never be used during a fire. 

If the fire alarm sounds at any time other than during the weekly test, the fire service must be called by dialling 999, even if there are no obvious signs of fire. When it is safe to do so, please also call us on 01626 322722 (24 hours a day) so that we know we need to come and reset the fire alarm for the building. 

If you are unable to evacuate in the event of the fire alarm going off, you will have completed a PEEP (Personal Emergency Evacuation Plan) with our Housing Team. This will inform the Fire and Rescue Service when they arrive, and they will assist you if you need to leave the building.

If you have any sight, hearing or mobility issues that could make evacuation in the event of a fire difficult for you or anyone living with you, and you do not have a PEEP (Personal Emergency Evacuation Plan), please get in touch with us so we can put one in place. 

If you have any concerns or questions about fire safety in your home, please don’t hesitate to get in touch. Call the Customer First Team on 01626 322722, option 2 or email customerhub@teignhousing.co.uk 

We’re here to help ensure you feel safe and secure in your home.