Fire safety

FREE smoke alarms available
Did you know that you’re twice as likely to die in a fire if you don’t have a smoke alarm that works?

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The existing smoke alarm in your property

smoke alarm

You should have at least one smoke alarm in your property. This is usually located in the hallway / first floor landing, and is usually wired into the mains electrical supply.

The smoke alarm is checked by Northwards Housing at the same time as your annual gas servicing visit. You should test your smoke alarm each week by pressing the test button in the centre of the unit. If you suspect your smoke alarm is not working or is damaged, please contact us.

FREE smoke alarms & Home Fire Risk Assessments

FREE Home Fire Risk Assessments

Did you know that firefighters carry out free Home Fire Risk Assessments and may be able to fit you a free smoke alarm? Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service has already fitted over 200,000 free smoke alarms in our local communities!

What is a Home Fire Risk Assessment?

Firefighters will visit your home and accompany you around every room in your property to:

  • Identify and make you aware of the potential fire risks in your home.
  • Make sure you know what to do in order to reduce or prevent these risks.
  • Help you put together an escape plan in case a fire breaks out in the future.
  • Ensure you have a working smoke alarm and if you don't, they may be able to fit a FREE ten year smoke alarm.

Book a FREE assessment now!

Simply call 0800 555 815 or click here to book your free home fire risk assessment!

Extinguish fire risks in your home!

Click below for a handy leaflet created by Greater Manchester Fire & Rescue Service full of top tips for preventing common types of fire.

Portable heaters

During the colder months, portable heaters can be a great way of keeping warm, but they're also a frequent fire hazard. Follow these simple steps from the Fire Service to stay both warm AND safe...

  • Never sit too close to the heater as you could set light to your clothes or chair, especially if you fall asleep.
  • Heaters should stand where they can't be knocked over, away from beds, furniture and fabrics.
  • Do not put anything on the heater or use it to dry clothes.
  • Make sure all heaters are guarded, particularly if you have children.
  • Never try to move any portable heater while it is alight/switched on - always turn it off and allow it to cool first.

Fire safety in multi-storey blocks

Click below for Northwards' advice on fire safety in multi-storey blocks.

Planning an escape route

In the event of a fire, be prepared - plan your escape route, keep it clear of obstacles at all times and make sure that everyone knows where it is. Keep your keys to the front door in a handy position, though out of the way of burglars. Click here for Greater Manchester Fire & Rescue Service's advice on planning an escape route.



What to do in the event of a fire

In the event of a fire your main priority is to get out. Do not try and fight the fire yourself.

  • Keep calm and act quickly, get everyone out as soon as possible.
  • Don’t waste time investigating what’s happened or rescuing valuables.
  • If there’s smoke, keep low where the air is clearer.
  • Before you open a door, check if it’s warm. If it is, don’ t open it – fire is on the other side.
  • Call 999 as soon as you’re clear of the building. 999 calls are free.

For more information on what to do in a fire, including what to do if your clothes catch fire and how to escape from a high level building, please see the below leaflet.

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