Fire doors are there to protect you

Fire doors are there to protect you

Fire doors are a crucial part of keeping you and your household safe. They’re designed to hold back flames and smoke, slowing the spread of fire and giving you extra time to escape in an emergency. This protection is especially important in blocks of flats and shared buildings, where fire doors help keep corridors and stairwells safer for everyone.

Why fire doors matter

Fire doors are not just any door – they are specially constructed barriers that help contain fire and toxic smoke to one area, allowing safe escape and helping firefighters to do their job. You’re likely to find them on:

• Flat entrance doors that open onto shared corridors or stairwells
• Communal doors leading to staircases and escape routes
• Doors to bin stores and other areas with higher fire risk

What you should and shouldn’t do

To make sure fire doors perform as intended, it’s important to treat them with care:

Do:

• Keep fire doors closed – this is how they work to stop fire and smoke spreading.
• Check that doors close fully and are not blocked or wedged open.
• Report any damage, loose hinges, missing seals or faulty closers straight away.

Don’t:

• Don’t wedge fire doors open, this stops them doing their job in a fire.
• Don’t remove or tamper with door closers and seals. These components are essential.
• Don’t carry out DIY repairs. If you think a fire door is faulty, report it so it can be checked and maintained by qualified staff.

What to do if you think a fire door is damaged

If you’re unsure whether a door in your building is a fire door or whether it’s working correctly, get in touch with our team. We’ll send one of our team out to inspect the door and make any necessary repairs.

What if a fire happens?

In the event of a fire, a properly functioning fire door could give you valuable seconds to escape safely. Remember:

• Get out quickly, close doors behind you where possible
• Make your way to your predetermined safe meeting point outside
• Once safe, call 999

Find out more

For more detailed guidance on fire doors and general fire safety for your home, visit the London Fire Brigade Fire Doors page.

Fire door safety is part of the wider Fire Safety responsibilities that help protect everyone in your building. If you ever have questions or concerns about fire safety in your home, please get in touch with your Neighbourhood Manager or Scheme Co-ordinator – and in an emergency always call 999.