Fire Policy and Emergency Plan

Fire safety equipment

Our cottages are provided with appropriate fire-fighting equipment, as designated in the fire risk assessment, fire extinguishers are provided primarily to assist with ensuring that the escape route is available and should only be used by staff in exceptional circumstances and then only if trained in their current selection and use.

There is a fire extinguisher and fire blanket stored in the cottage utility room. Each bedside drawers has a rechargeable torch and the cottage staircase has an emergency rechargeable torch with a power failure light which can be used in the case of a fire.

The escape route from Dandelion Cottage 1st floor is via the protected staircase exiting the front door.

The escape route from Hoglet Cottage 1st floor is via the bedroom window. This requires self evacuation window escape and is not suitable for persons with severe mobility issues. This cottage must not be booked by person’s who are not able to evacuate via the window.

The priority for staff and volunteers is to raise the alarm on discovering a fire and leave the building by the nearest available fire exit. Fire marshals and staff will receive training in the correct selection and use of fire-fighting equipment as part of their responsibilities, where relevant.

All fire-fighting equipment will be inspected and tested at least annually under a contract with a competent service provider in accordance with the relevant British standards. Remember: the extinguishers are not to be used as door stops, nor are they there to hang articles of equipment on.

Fire doors are to prevent fire spread and protect fire exit routes and stairwells. Under no circumstances must fire doors be propped open. This not only puts people’s lives at risk while the door is open but also can lead to long term damage of the door.