Fire prevention scheme means Southwark tenants are among safest in London

1.01.00pm GMT Wed 18th Jan 2006

Southwark council's campaign to reduce fire deaths is working

Council homes in Southwark are the safest in London when it comes to house fire fatalities - thanks to a successful fire safety campaign.

Tenants are less likely to die in a house fire in the borough than any other borough in London, according to the latest figures from the London Fire and Emergency Planning Authority (LFEPA).

Between 1999/2000 and 2004/5 Southwark had just three accidental deaths caused by fire. Only one other borough can match that record.

This success is despite Southwark's high levels of deprivation, which are traditionally associated with high levels of death caused by fire.

The borough's success has been put down to its FireAngel smoke alarm project: a joint initiative between the Lib Dem-run council and the London Fire Brigade.

The council has already installed 45,000 smoke alarms in council properties and is in the process of installing another 6,800.

The alarm unit simply plugs into a standard light fitting pendant which supplies power to a rechargeable battery within the unit. The battery is charged up every time the light switch is turned on.

Stephen Flannery, Liberal Democrat councillor in charge of housing, said: "This is a tremendous achievement. Southwark was one of the first councils to run the FireAngels scheme, and the hard work has clearly paid off.

Top ten tips from the fire brigade:

· Fit a smoke alarm and check it regularly.

· Make a fire action plan so that everyone in your house knows how to escape if there is a fire.

· Take care when cooking with hot oil and think about using thermostatically controlled deep fat fryers.

· Never leave lit candles unattended.

· Make sure cigarettes have been stubbed out carefully.

· Never smoke in bed.

· Keep matches and lighters away from children.

· Keep clothing away from heating appliances.

· Take care in the kitchen! 59% of fires in the home are caused by cooking.

· Take special care when you are tired or when you are under the influence of alcohol. Half of all deaths from domestic fires happen between 10pm and 8am.

You can also help to keep your family safe by making sure that you do not block any fire exits to your home. This could either be a door leading from your home, a balcony walkway or any shared landing or staircase.

You are also not allowed to use or store any:

· Liquid petroleum or paraffin containers or cylinders (for example, Calor gas)

· Dangerous chemicals, gases or materials, or

· Any other inflammable materials or gases

If a fire breaks out in your flat, tell everyone. Do not stop to collect belongings, leave the room and close the door. Make sure that everyone has got out and close your front door. Do not return to collect anything and do not use a lift. Call the fire brigade on 999 and stay out of your home until the fire brigade says that it is safe to return.