Fire safety and locks
Simon G • June 1, 2018
Fire safety for doors and locks
After the recent tragedy in London (Grenfell Tower) it has sadly, but finally come to the attention of Landlords, property owners and tenants alike that their properties and homes must be suitable in case of a fire.
A focal point of the "Fire safety" for us as we are locksmiths
will be on the doors and locks
that can be installed on a property to ensure it not only keeps in line with fire regulations but will also keep you safe, that's what they are there for. of the property.
We have scoured many .Gov websites including Council websites and Fire brigade websites to collate the information you need as a landlord of a flat or even as a homeowner with a family residing in the same house. As we are focusing on the door this calls into account all items on the door and serving the purpose of withstanding a fire and securing your residence. There are two types of fire doors
equipped in different areas of the property depending on number of residents and other variants.
A fire exit door is an
external
door; it can be left open and does not have to be fire resistant. The purpose of the fire exit door is to allow a quick and un-hindered escape through a well lit door into a place of safety while stopping un-authorised access from the outside.
A fire door is generally an internal door, whose purpose is to
- Create/ protect an escape route though a buidling in a fire situation and
- Compartmentalise a fire, keep the flames in one area and stop smoke from spreading from one section of the property to the other. Examples of locations of fire doors include stairwells, where they protect the stairs from corridors opening on to them; kitchens/catering facilities, storage areas that house combustible materials such as paper and card and boiler rooms.
1. Easy open from inside locks.
What we consider to be one of the most important aspects of security and fire safety is that tenants/ residents can pass through with ease and without the need of a key. This is very understandable as should a fire break out in the flat/ residence and the door is locked, it's likely that the key will be left in the property somewhere thus locking everyone in a burning building with the main means of escape being locked and the key being somewhere inside the now ablaze property. Very obvious hazard risk but one that is not often noted on properties.
Should a fire break out and the main door of the property has a fire safe lock installed, it will allow all residents and tenants to easily escape the property without the need of a key. There are three main types of Fire safe locks available
- Escape mortice deadlocks - These allow escape via knob from the inside, normally installed with a thumb-turn Euro cylinder . These can be fairly cheap to install and can be matched with a number of euro cylinders varying in security thus allowing you to personalise your locks a lot more. We advise these for HMO's or properties with more than 3 unrelated occupants.
- Mortice nightlatches - Theses like the image above can be operated from the inside without a key and just by moving the handle up or down, easy escape if a fire break outs. These are normally anti slip which is great for security and most of them are secured to BS 3621 meaning they will comply with your home insurance requirements.
- Break Glass locks - These are not very common as they cannot be used on an exit used by the public or on more than 10 residents in one building or at the bottom of stairs. These locks need to have the glass replaced once broken, so again, not necessarily the most effective means of securing and fire safety.
2. The door in general.
If the door is one of a few in a block flats the door needs to be a fire door. What does this mean in practical terms - this means that it needs to hold the fire inside the flat and protect the other flats for as long as possible whilst allowing the tenants/ residents to escape quickly. This may also apply to doors within the property as well, but for this blog post we're focusing on the front door of the flat. This means that the door must be a fire safe door, these can be purchased from most DIY stores and will clearly state the fire safety on the stamp, some are 30-min doors (I.e they hold the fire in for 30 mins), giving other residents in the other flats time to escape. Fire doors will be stamped with F30 or F60 thus indicating the time the door can hold the fire back from the other flats.
3. Door closers.
Door closers must be installed on all fire doors, they will close the door automatically when let go. Again the reason behind this is to make sure that the fire is sealed in a certain part of the property. If the fire is let loose and to do as it pleases it will take down a number of properties in a matter of minutes. The door closer ensures that when people leave the property in a rush, which normally happens when there is a fire, a door closer will pull the door shut behind them and seal the fire in. There are many types of door closers that can be installed on doors, even if you don't have one on the door now it can easily be installed by a locksmith nearby , thus ensuring your property is safe in case of a fire.
4. Door seals.
Ever wondered what that fluffy line, or plastic line down the side of your door does? If you have this on your door chances are it's fire safe. These are special seals that are installed in a groove down all edges of the door that expand in case of a fire ensuring that the fire is well and trully sealed inside the flat and coont spread to the rest of the buliding, geniusly simple. These can also be added onto existing doors so even if you don't have this on your door it can be done with the right locksmith and the right tools.
5. Door hardware.
Screws and hinges should be made from materials that have a higher melting point, i.e not plastic or aluminium. Acceptable materials are Iron ad steel or other high melting point metals, these ensure the door will stay on its hinges in case of a fire and again, keeping the fire in one place for a set amount of time.
These include eye viewers and all metal objects on the door. There should be minimal items on the door as the door is to function as a door, not a wall to hang pictures as these can impede the doors ability to withstand a fire.
For more information on Fire safety and the specifics required on your property check the London fire brigade website for security information check the police website and to check for your nearest locksmith who will help advise on the best security and fire safety measures for your property check for your local locksmith .
Getting locked out is never fun — but if you're in Clapham , help is just a call away. Whether it’s late at night or first thing in the morning, SMS Locksmith offers fast, reliable locksmith services throughout Clapham with no call-out charges and 30-minute average response times . Step 1: Don’t Panic We know it’s stressful, especially if it’s cold or you have somewhere to be. Try to stay calm and check for any open windows or alternative entry points (safely, of course). Step 2: Avoid DIY Entry Trying to force the lock or use makeshift tools can damage your door – and cost you more in the long run. Always leave it to a professional. Step 3: Call a Local Clapham Locksmith We’re based nearby and can usually be with you in under 30 minutes. Our experienced technicians use non-destructive methods wherever possible to get you back inside quickly and safely. Step 4: Consider a Security Upgrade If your lockout was due to a lost or stolen key, now might be the perfect time to consider upgrading your locks. We offer a full range of British Standard and high-security locks. Need help right now? Visit our Clapham Locksmith page or call us directly for immediate assistance.
When you’re locked out, you need help fast – but who do you call? It might be tempting to ring the first number you find online, often a national call centre , but choosing a local locksmith can make all the difference. The Problem with National Call Centres Big national firms often outsource work to subcontractors. That means long wait times, unclear pricing, and poor communication. You might end up paying more for a job done with less care. Why Local Locksmiths Are Better 1. Faster Response Times A local locksmith like SMS Locksmith is nearby and can often be with you in under 30 minutes . 2. Transparent Pricing We don’t believe in hidden fees or inflated charges. What we quote is what you pay. 3. Personal Service You're not just a ticket number – we care about your safety and satisfaction. Our locksmiths are local, polite, and highly experienced. 4. Local Knowledge We know the area, the types of doors and locks common in homes, and how best to secure them. Whether you’re in Worcester Park , Twickenham , Chelsea , or Clapham , we’ve got your area covered.  Next time you need a locksmith, go local. Choose SMS Locksmith for expert service and complete peace of mind.
Feeling safe in your own home is non-negotiable. Whether you live near Twickenham Green or closer to the stadium, basic home security steps can go a long way in preventing break-ins. As your trusted Twickenham locksmith , we’ve put together a quick checklist to help you protect your property. Check All Entry Points Burglars often look for easy access through back doors, garages or windows. Make sure all entry points are fitted with quality locks – and don’t forget your shed or side gate . Upgrade to British Standard Locks Many older locks don’t meet insurance standards. Our Twickenham locksmiths can upgrade your locks to British Standard quickly and affordably. Don’t Hide Keys Outside That flower pot or fake rock is the first place a burglar will look. Avoid hiding spare keys outdoors. Instead, consider a secure key safe or trusted neighbour. Install Outdoor Lighting Motion-activated lights are a simple but effective deterrent – and they also make it safer when returning home after dark. Book a Security Check If you’re unsure where to start, we offer free security assessments across Twickenham. We’ll point out vulnerabilities and offer affordable fixes. Want help securing your home? Contact our expert Twickenham locksmith team today.
Security is essential no matter where you live, but in areas like Chelsea , where properties are often high-value, updating your locks is one of the smartest investments you can make. Whether you’ve just moved in or simply want to feel more secure, here are the top 5 reasons to consider a lock upgrade. 1. You’ve Just Moved In Even if the previous owner handed over all the keys, you can never be sure who else has a copy. Lock replacement ensures that only you have access to your new Chelsea home. 2. Your Current Locks Aren’t Insurance Approved Many insurers require locks that meet British Standard BS3621. If your current locks don’t comply, it could invalidate your insurance in the event of a break-in. 3. You've Experienced a Break-In or Attempted Entry After a burglary or even an attempted one, upgrading your locks is essential. We recommend anti-snap and high-security locks that resist drilling, picking, and bumping. 4. Peace of Mind Simply put – upgraded locks help you sleep better at night. Knowing that your home is secure with robust, professionally fitted locks offers lasting peace of mind. Need help upgrading your locks in Chelsea? Visit our Chelsea Locksmith page and get in touch today for expert advice and quick service.
Security is essential no matter where you live, but in areas like Chelsea, where properties are often high-value, updating your locks is one of the smartest investments you can make.
A burglary can be terrifying if you have never experienced one. You may first see damage to your doors, locks, and windows, causing the worst thoughts to come to your head. Then, when you investigate the situation, you realize a burglar has damaged and stolen property in your home or business. What do you do in this situation? Here are the top four things to do after a burglary occurs on your property. 1) Contact the Local Authorities The first thing to do is contact your local police to notify them of the burglary. They will send patrol or uniformed officers to your home or business to question you about the incident. If you believe a burglar may still be in your home or business after discovering evidence of a potential burglary, do not attempt to engage them. Otherwise, you will risk getting injured or killed by engaging with a person who may be dangerous. Secure yourself in a safe location and call the police. Burglars will not usually stick around for very long, especially if they hear police sirens outside. 2) Evaluate Your Belongings Explore your burglarized property once you are sure it is safe. Take inventory of your remaining belongings and create a list of all the missing items. The police must know this information to assist with their investigation and help you recover the stolen items. Make sure you are honest about the stolen items. The police and your insurance company will ask you for the estimated value of each stolen item. Give the best answers possible. 3) Contact Your Insurance Company Notify your home insurance company about the burglary after notifying the police. They will also ask you for the list of stolen items to calculate the value of your claim. Provide any information or documentation requested, including photos, police reports, medical reports, etc. All these things are factors in calculating the highest possible value for your claim. 4) Upgrade or Repair Your Locks The police might not find the burglar for several days or weeks. In fact, they might not find them at all. Either way, do not wait for the next burglar to strike your home or business without taking action to secure your property. A burglar usually damages a door or window lock to gain unlawful entry into a building. If they are successful, the door might have a worn-out or low-grade lock incapable of stopping a standard burglary attempt. If unsuccessful, the door might have a high-grade lock that resisted the attempt. However, the lock could have still suffered damage. After any burglary, the best thing to do is upgrade or repair your door and window locks to ensure your property remains safe. A professional locksmith can evaluate your existing locks to see which ones should be upgraded or repaired to keep you and your property safe.  Contact a Professional Locksmith Do you need to hire a professional locksmith to install or replace the locks in your doors or windows? Call SMS Locksmith at 020-3151-0531 for assistance.
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