Fire safety - rules and advice
The first concern of the JMB is to ensure that residents are safe in their homes. We have recently had discussions with London Fire Brigade and Southwark Council to ensure our fire advice is up to date
To keep you safe in your home, the JMB is asking all residents to follow some simple rules:
1. Know what to do if there is a fire in your building
The best way for you to stay safe is to know what to do if there is a fire in your home or elsewhere in your building. You need to make sure that everybody who lives in your home knows what to do should a fire happen.
Read the JMB/ London Fire Brigade advice about what to do if there is a fire.
2. Storing material that could burn easily
Certain materials - including paint, paraffin, gas cylinders can make fires much worse. These items must not be stored inside your home or in a shed or garage that is an integral part of a building (ie not in a separate block).
If you have paint, paraffin, gas cylinders or any other flammable material in any of these areas they need to be cleared immediately. If you have any questions about this or need help in disposing of materials contact the JMB office.
The storage of these materials is prohibited in the Tenancy Agreement. Section 11(4): "The tenant must not store or use in the premises including the communcal areaas, private balcony, store or garage which is an integral part of the dwelling house any liquid petroleum and paraffin (eg calor gas) clyninders or dangerous chemicals, gases or materials or any other inflammable materials or gases. Items left on any communal landing or area will be removed without further notice.
3.Rubbish
One of the biggest fire risks in a block can be rubbish. Rubbish should never be left outside the door of your flat - it should always be taken down to the rubbish bin or placed in chutes (if these are available).
The JMB can arrange for removal of large items of rubbish (eg beds, sofas). If you have large rubbish that needs collecting please contact the JMB office.
4. Metal 'security' gates fitted to front doors
Many residents - both tenants and home owners - have extra gates outside their front doors.
While we understand these gates give added security to your home, they can also make it very difficult to escape in the event of a fire.
If you have a security gate outside your front door please make sure that this is NOT locked when anyone is in your home.
The JMB is currently in discussion with London Fire Brigade and Southwark Council about the long term future of these gates. It is possible that all extra gates will have to be removed from properties. We will keep all residents informed about these discussions.
If you have any other questions about fire safety for your block please contact the JMB office.