Fire safety initiative expands in Hammersmith & Fulham council homes

Council installs fire doors and upgrades systems in fire safety scheme

H&F Council has reported that 6,000 new fire doors have been installed across council properties at no cost to tenants or leaseholders.

The initiative is part of the council’s Fire Safety Plus programme, which also includes evacuation alert systems, electrical safety testing and replacement of faulty white goods.

According to the council, this forms part of its wider investment into housing, with over £1 million spent each week on maintenance and safety.

Councillor Frances Umeh, Cabinet Member for Housing and Homelessness, said: “We’re working hard with London Fire Brigade to keep residents safe in our homes.

“Our Fire Safety Plus home visits and evacuation alert systems go above and beyond UK safety laws as we do all we can to put residents’ safety first.

“This is all part of the work we’re doing to make H&F a stronger, safer and kinder place.”

Hammersmith Station Commander James Berry added: “It’s encouraging to see Hammersmith & Fulham Council taking proactive measures to prioritise fire safety.

“We will continue working together to help keep residents and communities safe.”

Upgrades include fire doors, sprinklers and evacuation systems

The council stated that nine new evacuation alert systems have been installed in high-rise buildings, covering more than 1,000 homes.

In addition to installing 6,000 new fire doors, the council conducts inspections on 17,000 fire doors annually.

Sprinkler systems have been fitted in 600 homes across the borough.

Electrical appliance testing and replacement is included in the service for council residents. Faulty appliances that do not pass testing are replaced for free.

The council also reported that 380 Personal Emergency Evacuation Plans (PEEPs) have been created for residents who may need help evacuating in the event of a fire.

Fire Safety Plus programme includes home visits and device testing

The Fire Safety Plus programme offers home visits to council residents, which include installation of smoke detectors and full testing of domestic electrical appliances.

If a product fails an electrical test, it is replaced at no charge to the resident.

The council explained that this offer is available to all council tenants and leaseholders and aims to reduce the risk of electrical fires in domestic settings.

The service also includes installation of new fire doors during the home visit, where needed.

Annetta Kelly, a resident of Bush Court in Shepherds Bush, said: “After my tumble dryer failed its electrical safety test, the team quickly and efficiently organised a replacement.

“The service was brilliant. They kept me informed throughout and I really appreciate their commitment to electrical safety.”

London Fire Brigade partnership supports safety improvements

London Fire Brigade has worked with H&F Council to support the programme and advise on safety measures in council buildings.

According to the council, this partnership ensures that safety systems such as evacuation alerts are installed in line with current best practice.

James Berry of London Fire Brigade stated that joint working would continue to improve protection for residents and communities.

The council noted that additional training has also been provided to housing staff to ensure home visits are carried out safely and consistently.

The partnership is part of a wider London-wide focus on upgrading fire protection in residential buildings.

Ongoing investment into housing maintenance and safety

H&F Council reported that more than £1 million per week is being invested into housing across the borough.

This investment includes repair and maintenance works, safety upgrades and routine inspections.

The Fire Safety Plus initiative is one of several projects funded through this commitment.

According to the council, the fire safety programme will continue to expand over the coming year.

Additional systems and equipment are expected to be introduced to more buildings as part of the wider upgrade strategy.

Fire safety initiative expands in Hammersmith & Fulham council homes: Summary

H&F Council has installed 6,000 new fire doors at no cost to tenants and leaseholders.

The installations are part of the Fire Safety Plus programme.

The programme includes home visits, smoke detector installation, and appliance testing.

Faulty electrical items are replaced free of charge.

Nine evacuation alert systems have been added to high-rise buildings.

600 homes have received new sprinkler systems.

380 PEEPs have been written for residents needing evacuation support.

17,000 fire doors are inspected annually by the council.

London Fire Brigade is working with the council on safety measures.

Over £1 million is invested each week into housing in Hammersmith & Fulham.