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FIRE SAFETY IN COMMUNAL AREAS
Information for residents and leaseholders living in blocks of flats
Individual balconiesYour personal balcony can also pose a high level of risk.
When items stored on these balconies catch fire they can cause flames to spread rapidly up the side of the building. If you have a private balcony any items stored in them must be fire proof.
You must not store or keep the following on your individual balcony:
} Barbecues
} Fuel containers
} Gas bottles
} Plant pots
In your homeHow you manage the risk inside your own property is, within the terms of your tenancy agreement, up to you.
This policy is to make sure the internal communal areas of your block are as safe as possible. We will always take action against anyone who abuses a member of our staff or our partners if they are removing items or upholding this policy in any other way.
Removing items that have been placed in communal areasIf we find anything placed in the communal areas, we will remove these items immediately and there will be a charge to have any items returned.
We regularly inspect communal areas to ensure they are clear. Every site visiting officer, including Housing Officers, Property Managers, Area Surveyors and our partnering contractors will remove any items they find in the communal areas. The item(s) removed, will be stored for up to 14 days.
Residents who have had items removed will need to contact TVH to arrange to collect their belongings.
Reclaiming your itemsPlease telephone your:
} Housing Officer (Tenants)
} Property Manager (Homeowners)
Alternatively you can telephone 0300 356 2929 and choose:
} Tenants – option 3
} Homeowners – option 4
Email: [email protected]
For advice on fire safety in your home, if you are concerned about storage of a mobility
aid or any other related enquiry, please contact your Housing Officer directly,
your Property Manager directly or call 0300 456 2929.
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ONE OF OUR MOST IMPORTANT AIMS IS TO KEEP YOU SAFE IN YOUR HOME.
This leaflet is to advise you:
You are NOT allowed to store or place any items in the internal communal areas of your or any other block of TVH flats. These areas must be kept clear. Items left in these areas are a serious fire hazard and will be removed if found there.
This includes door mats, plants and other decorative items, as well as larger objects.
What are internal communal areas?Internal communal areas are those which everyone has access to. This includes entrance lobbies, landings, stairwells, meter cupboards, bin and chute rooms, lifts, open walkways and balconies.
Why do they need to be kept clear?New fire legislation and fire guidance came into effect in October 2011. It focuses on fire risks and means we have to ensure that if there is a fire in your block, there is nothing in the communal areas making it difficult to escape, give off smoke or prevent the fire services in their duties.
Why are we doing this?
} Stored or displayed items can give off toxic smoke if they catch fire
} Glass can explode if subjected to intense heat
} Stored items may prevent your escape
} Stored items may prevent fire and emergency services entering the building
This is why it is our policy not to allow anything to be stored or left in the communal areas.
We have made this decision after taking advice from the fire services and Environmental Health, to ensure that fire safety risks to all our residents living in blocks of flats are minimised.
We have a responsibility to make sure that the buildings and internal communal areas of your home meet fire safety requirements.
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TRANSLATIONS AND INTERPRETATION
If you need to contact us about anything and need an interpreter, call 0300 456 2929 and tell us your language.We can also provide a large print or an audio version of this document.
