*12 Days of Christmas Fire Safety*

Stay safe this festive season and take a few extra precautions to reduce the risk of fire in your home. 

1. Check the quality of fairy lights - they should carry the British or European standard mark. Look for frayed or damaged wires. Replace and recycle lights if they show any signs of fault.

2. Avoid overloading plug sockets and extension leads. 

3. Before going to bed or leaving your home, switch off electrical items at the wall socket and unplug.

4. If you choose an artificial tree, pick one which is fire retardant - these will take longer for flames to spread. If you opt for a real Christmas tree, keep it well watered daily to ensure it does not dry out. 

5. When cooking, avoid any distractions and do not leave pans unattended. Remember to turn off stoves and ovens at the end. Keep tea towels, oven gloves and other materials away from sources of heat.

6. Take extra care when using candles. Keep them well away from Christmas trees and other items that the flame could catch. Never leave candles unattended and ensure they are fully extinguished.

7. Go over your fire escape plan, and ensure any guests or visitors to your home also know how to get out in an emergency.

8. Test your smoke alarms regularly. 

9. Think carefully about where to place decorations and cards as these can burn easily. Keep them away from heat, flames and lights.

10. If you or any guests in your home smoke - be sure to extinguish matches and cigarettes carefully before going to bed.

11. Check on elderly or vulnerable neighbours, as they are at greater risk from fire.

12. Follow the manufacturers instructions when staying warm using portable heaters or electric blankets. Ensure you turn them off before going to bed. 

High rise fire safety management consultant Phil Murphy shares tips for upgrading the fire safety in your flat. Click below to download his information leaflet

What has Tower Blocks UK been up to this year?

In May, we emerged from our hibernation following the Covid19 lockdown and we've had a very busy summer and autumn.

Alongside our partners at mySociety, we increased the reach of our self help resource; FixMyBlock.org by expanding to cover Scottish law. We produced new content, linked up with various charities, residents associations and tenants groups in Scotland, and created a new podcast and our downloadable Digital Action Pack. 

We continued our collaboration with Rainbow Collective and produced another FixMyBlock video. Please share it with your networks.

• We've continued to lobby and campaign for safer tower blocks and better rights for tenants by taking part in national conversations and government consultations. From the Westminster Briefing: Ensuring Voices Are Heard, to the Building Safety Bill debate and the Inquiry into the Regulation of Social Housing.

• 53 years on since the Ronan Point tower block disaster, we collaborated with Journey to Justice to tell the story of the tragic events and the campaign for safe housing fought by the Newham tower block tenants group.

• In September, we took part in the New Economics Organisers Network (NEON) Movement Builders intensive training programme, focused on working towards systemic change in housing. It was fantastic to (virtually) meet so many other individuals equally passionate about improving housing standards and conditions in the UK!

• We've worked with the media, to highlight poor housing conditions and disrepair, assisting with research, outreach and links to communities. 

• We continue to support Grenfell United in their calls for justice and we stand alongside them as they say "enough is enough" and #DemandCharges for those responsible. 

Look out for our 2022 newsletter in the new year to find out about our ambitious plans for the coming 12 months!

Wishing everyone a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year