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Building & Fire Safety

As part of Sanctuary your safety and wellbeing are at the centre of all we do. We house thousands of customers and their safety and security in our properties is top priority. We operate our properties in line with the relevant and prevailing legislation, but also within the codes under which we operate.

All our properties are designed and managed with fire safety in mind. Follow the guidelines below to reduce the risk of fires happening:

  • Living in a taller building with multiple floors does not mean you are any more at risk from fire, but it does mean you need to consider your fire safety and the impact a fire could have on other residents. It is important for your own safety, to understand what to do in the event of a fire, whether it is in your flat or somewhere else in the building.
  • Your building, your flat and your bedroom are protected by a fully tested fire detection system. We carry out regular Fire Risk assessments to ensure your building is safe and also complete safety and compliance checks on gas boilers, electrical systems and appliances.


When you move into a new home, the last thing you’re going to be thinking about is fire safety. Knowing just a little bit about fire prevention and what to do in the event of a fire could potentially save your life.

We take your safety very seriously and want you to enjoy a safe environment when you live with us.

Check out our fire safety video for some useful information about fire safety in your new student home.

Naked flames such as candles, oil burners and joss sticks are dangerous in your accommodation, please don't bring or use these

 

Ensure your grill pan, oven and hob are clean, food debris and oil can quickly catch fire

Fire doors will protect you if there is a fire - please keep them closed

Your heater is for letting out heat, don't cover it up

 

Microwaves don't like anything metallic, check your utensils and dishes are free from metal before using

If you have fairy lights, be smart and turn them off when you're not in your room

Always attend to your cooking, remember to switch off appliances after use

 

Cooking when tired or under the influence of alcohol or drugs is not a good idea

Chip pans and barbecues are just too unpredictable, they can't be used at your accommodation

The really important stuff

Safety equipment and evacuation routes

Fire-fighting equipment exists for your safety. Misusing fire-fighting equipment (including fire blankets and extinguishers) puts lives at risk.

Remember to keep the corridors and exit doors clear – rubbish needs to be disposed of and bikes and the likes to be stored in the correct areas.

Smoke and heat detectors

Tampering with detectors for example removing the detector head or covering them can activate the alarm, trigger an evacuation of the building, and bring out the Fire Services – do not waste your fellow housemates or the fire services time

You create steam when you shower? Keep your door closed and ensure the extractor fan is working

If you are going to iron, use straighteners/hairdryer, then do it away from the detector heads, and keep that aerosol spray away from there too

Your extractor fan should be on when cooking – open the window and keep that fire door closed

Fire drills

The fire alarms are tested in each property every week. Fire drills are a legal requirement and are held throughout the year. The fire evacuation procedure is different in each building so familiarise yourself with the fire action notices, evacuation routes and assembly point of your site.

Discovering a fire:

  1. Sound the fire alarm, if safe to do so
  2. Get out of the building
  3. Call the fire brigade on 999
  4. Let a member of our team know, if safe to do so

Fire Evacuation - On hearing the alarm:

If the Fire Alarm sounds, you need to evacuate the property and go to the fire assembly points.

If you have a Personal Emergency Evacuation Plan (PEEP) we will have advised what to do in the event of a fire alarm.

Throughout the property there are evacuation notices and signage advising on the fire assembly points - when you move in - familiarise yourselves with your nearest escape route and your fire assembly point. This is important!

  1. Sound the fire alarm, if safe to do so
  2. Get out of the building, alerting flatmates where safe and possible (Use the stairs, not the lift)
  3. Call the fire brigade on 999
  4. Meet at the assembly point and stay there
  5. You can only re-enter the building when someone in authority says it is safe to do so