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If you are responsible for any blocks of flats then the following list of safety measures are  essential for limiting the chance of a fire starting or any rapid external fire spread.  You may have concerned residents asking questions about fire safety.  If you do, send them the following list:

• Never smoke on escape balconies or any other means of escape route
• Never use BBQ’s on flat balconies
• You must keep the escape balconies and any other means of escape routes completely sterile and not store items in these areas
• Check that you have a self-closer fitted and make sure your flat entrance door is kept closed when not being used
• Make sure that you have a working smoke alarm and test it on a regular basis
• Do not overload electrical sockets
• Never leave your cooking unattended
• Try to only use the fixed heating installations in your home and avoid portable or other types of heaters
• Keep your utility (gas/electric) cupboards clear of combustible materials
• Remove any security gates in front of your flat entrance door if you can
• Keep any roads leading to your building clear so the fire brigade have good access
• Never wedge open fire doors in the communal areas of the flats where you live

One thing I have never been keen on is contracts and the notion that people should be locked into a contract for a period of time regardless of service.

I know we all do it and whether it’s your tv and broadband package, phone, or utilities bills we are all under a form of contract. The same effectively applies to your insurance premiums, mortgage or anything that is time related and fixed until a fixed date with a penalty should you devise to renege on your part of the deal.

The problem is over a slow but steady period of time it has become harder than ever to get hold of these companies and you are sent through to an overseas call centre which bombard you with a thousand security questions should you be so lucky to even get through. Of course that’s all part of the plan, so you don’t cancel and even bother picking the phone up in the first place. 

What we are going through now is unprecedented and you have no chance of getting through to your bank, utility or broadband company etc. That’s understandable with the current situation and a lack of staff but it is a serious problem should you wish to cut a contract for financial reasons or have a desperate need to talk with them.

But it’s part of a bigger picture and developing culture which makes it harder and harder for people to communicate with a real human being and close a contract when it matters or simply have a decent conversation with a company without going through a whole series of press 1 for this and 2 for that etc etc......

As director of Whale Fire I simply want to provide a professional and fair service for my clients which is why we don’t offer contracts and they are free to use other companies if they are not happy with what we provide. Unlike lots of larger fire safety companies that tie you in, we don’t and at time’s like this you are not paying for something which you are not receiving. Simple, transparent and fair. Working with our clients and not against them.

I would like to hear about as many new fire safety innovations and new products that you have know about?  Whether it’s a new suppression system, fire resisting paint/linings/sprays, fire detection system, fire shields, electrical safety innovations, anything.  As we move forward in the fire safety industry, what new products and solutions are there that we can be recommending in fire risk assessments that are approved, unique and cost effective?

The issues with cladding and the external facades of buildings set to continue as more and more cladding being confirmed as flammable.

Residents in high rise blocks need to be really careful at the moment especially when people are working from home and therefore the occupancy levels of these buildings in the day are as high as ever.

Email me at info@whalefire.co.uk for a copy of our tenant information guide which outlines basic but crucial information to try and prevent a fire in your flat

Great article about making sure you stay safe at home during this difficult time and take fire safety precautions.  Please remember the basics like not overloading electrical sockets, take care when cooking (don’t leave unattended), testing your smoke alarms and keeping doors closed at night.  Make sure you and your family have a simple escape plan in the event of a fire.  If you would like a copy of our tenant information guide which gives basic fire safety advice in your flat or home please email me at

Good to see the introduction of the new fire safety bill.  The main focus moving forward will be in ensuring the safety of the external structure and walls to residential buildings.  There will also be much more focus on fire doors to flats leading into communal areas.  Going to be some very challenging times ahead with the current situation and ensuring the fire safety of our buildings is not compromised with any shortcomings in funding.