Fire safety is very important for home owners and tenants alike. Housing developments such as flats that have several units housing several different families have increased risk of fires taking. As a landlord it is your responsibility to make sure that your property is safe enough for your tenants. You ensure this by complying with the building regulations. Before anything, the law requires you to undertake a fire risk assessment whether your flats are for commercial or residential use. The following is a guide that you should follow to protect your investment and also reassure the tenants.

1.Identify potential fire hazards

The first way to protect your building against fire is to identify potential fire hazards within your property. This includes looking for the potential sources of fuel, ignition, and oxygen. The other thing you’ll need to figure out is who is at risk from such fires. Those at high risk will generally be the people within your property, as well as those in surrounding properties. 

Be particularly attentive to needs of individuals who are at a higher risk, such as those with reduced mobility and breathing difficulties. Children and the elderly are also at higher risks.  You can further mitigate the level of fire damage by getting passive fire protection for your flats. A spokesperson from Ark Fire Protection states that “passive fire protection is imperative for purpose built blocks of flats. After all, fire hazards present a serious threat to human life and can irreparably damage a property.” Passive fire protection ensures the safety of the building as it is built into the building structure.

2.Evaluating and reducing the risk of fire

After you have identified the risks, the next important step is to evaluate the level of threat posed then reduce these risks. For instance, if there is a high chance that a fire might start in one specific block, you can enforce measures to either reduce or remove the fire hazard. If you make any major findings in this regard, you could take note of them and carry out further assessment afterwards. 

Additionally, ensure that you share your findings with a professional in this field to get their expert input. Once you have evaluated everything, you can also begin planning for an emergency. Ensure that the residents of your property are also informed on what action to take, and where to go in case there is a break out.

3.Working with relevant authorities 

When safeguarding your building against fires, it is important to instruct and inform the right people. Ensure that these people undergo some type of training. That way in the event that a fire should start, they will know what to do. Training also helps in minimizing and mitigating fire risks from day to day. It is also important to ensure that you review the fire risk assessment for your flats often. Although there isn’t a legally set time frame, it is best to review it after every 2 years.

4.Other safety precautions

There are tools and steps that you can take to further ensure that your block is safe. First, you could talk to them and ask for their suggestions and recommendations when it comes to reducing fire risks. Once you have collected all the suggestions, review them with the help of a relevant person and implement the best ones. Additionally, ensure that you fit the property with smoke alarms. Test them on a monthly basis to ensure that hey are in good working condition. 

Another important precaution is to ensure that your communal areas don’t have any major obstructions. This makes it easier for people to get to the emergency exit in case a fire starts. The location of the emergency exit should also be easily accessible. Lastly, the doors should be in good working condition 

Fires can have devastating effects and cause a lot of damage and loss of property. Worse, fires might even cost people their lives. In order to reduce the risk of this happening, it is important to remain vigilant. The tips provided above will help you keep your investment and tenants safe.