Fire safety support
Fire safety in council homes and communal areas in our residential buildings is the responsibility of both council and residents.
Our responsibilities include:
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identify fire risks in homes and communal areas
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take action to reduce risks where needed
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install and maintain smoke and carbon monoxide alarms
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check and maintain fire safety features, such as fire doors
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provide residents with clear fire safety information
The council records and manages fire risk assessments for residential blocks with a communal area. If you would like a copy of a fire risk assessment, please email firesafetyteam@newham.gov.uk
Where necessary, the council also carries out person-centred fire risk assessments for individuals that need one.
Your responsibilities include:
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follow the fire safety advice for your home and report any concerns, such as faulty alarms or damaged fire doors. Email buildingsafetyteam@newham.gov.uk
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if you receive a letter requesting access to your property by a council officer, please do not ignore it. It is vital for certain safety checks to be carried out on your home
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fire doors, including your front door, help prevent fire and smoke from spreading through the building and keep you and your neighbours safe. Keep them shut and never tamper with self-closing devices
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keep communal areas, such as corridors and stairways, free from clutter. Clear walkways help people leave the building quickly in an emergency and allow emergency services to gain access if needed
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call 999 in the event of a fire emergency
Residential personal emergency evacuation plans
Since the introduction of the Fire Safety (Residential Evacuation Plans) Regulations in May 2026, we have been identifying residents living in high-rise blocks who may need extra support during an emergency. This helps us create Residential Personal Emergency Evacuation Plans (R-PEEPs.) These set out how someone who may need extra support can safely leave a building during an emergency.
If you need support in an emergency, please email HLOTeam@newham.gov.uk who will refer you to the relevant team following a person centred-fire risk assessment.
