It’s no secret that the Byker Estate is a unique part of the Newcastle skyline. Balconies are a significant feature of what makes Byker so recognisable, especially along the Byker Wall.
However, when it comes to building safety, balconies do present a challenge when it comes to keeping your homes as safe as possible.
When using your balcony, it is important that you are doing so safely, not only for your own benefit, but for everyone who lives around you.
Our Building Safety Manager Mark has put together some simple tips together to help keep you and your balcony safe:
Clutter and rubbish are a major fire safety risk as they can easily set fire, so it’s important you keep your balcony clean and tidy.
Do not do anything which may cause a fire to start or to spread, this includes using barbecues/disposable barbecues and fire pits.
If you choose to smoke on your balcony, please ensure that your discarded cigarettes are fully extinguished and disposed of appropriately, do not let discarded cigarettes build up on your balcony including within gutters as this could pose a fire risk. Do not throw cigarette butts over the side of your balcony.
Do not place and use any white goods or electrical appliances on your balcony.
Do not store or charge any electric bikes, scooters or other similar devices on your balcony.
If you have plants on your balcony, please try to keep them well watered and if necessary, remove any dead plants which you may have as the dry plants can easily catch alight.
If you have laid carpet or artificial grass on your balcony, these are combustible materials and should be removed. Theses can be disposed of at the local recycling centre.
If you have a balcony in the Byker Wall, you may have noticed that you have a gate that leads to your neighbour's balcony.
This was designed as an additional fire escape route to allow you to move onto the neighbouring balcony away from a fire to await rescue if it isn’t possible to get out of your home any other way. These gates must be kept clear at all times and not be fixed shut or blocked, doing so could put yourself or others in danger.
If you have any questions or concerns about how to use your balcony safely, please get in touch at buildingsafety@karbonhomes.co.uk
You can also join our Building Safety Panel for exciting opportunities and to make a real impact on how we manage the safety of your home. Contact Stacey Close on 0784 148 2504 or email connectwithkarbon@karbonhomes.co.uk
Advice from Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service:
“Balconies can present a serious fire risk if they’re not utilised safely. Without proper care and attention, fires can quickly start from discarded cigarettes, overloaded sockets, disposable barbecues and decorative items.
“We’re asking residents to keep balconies clear of anything flammable, avoid using barbecues or fire pits, and ensure any cigarette ends are fully extinguished and disposed of safely."
It’s no secret that the Byker Estate is a unique part of the Newcastle skyline. Balconies are a significant feature of what makes Byker so recognisable, especially along the Byker Wall.
However, when it comes to building safety, balconies do present a challenge when it comes to keeping your homes as safe as possible.
When using your balcony, it is important that you are doing so safely, not only for your own benefit, but for everyone who lives around you.
Our Building Safety Manager Mark has put together some simple tips together to help keep you and your balcony safe:
Clutter and rubbish are a major fire safety risk as they can easily set fire, so it’s important you keep your balcony clean and tidy.
Do not do anything which may cause a fire to start or to spread, this includes using barbecues/disposable barbecues and fire pits.
If you choose to smoke on your balcony, please ensure that your discarded cigarettes are fully extinguished and disposed of appropriately, do not let discarded cigarettes build up on your balcony including within gutters as this could pose a fire risk. Do not throw cigarette butts over the side of your balcony.
Do not place and use any white goods or electrical appliances on your balcony.
Do not store or charge any electric bikes, scooters or other similar devices on your balcony.
If you have plants on your balcony, please try to keep them well watered and if necessary, remove any dead plants which you may have as the dry plants can easily catch alight.
If you have laid carpet or artificial grass on your balcony, these are combustible materials and should be removed. Theses can be disposed of at the local recycling centre.
If you have a balcony in the Byker Wall, you may have noticed that you have a gate that leads to your neighbour's balcony.
This was designed as an additional fire escape route to allow you to move onto the neighbouring balcony away from a fire to await rescue if it isn’t possible to get out of your home any other way. These gates must be kept clear at all times and not be fixed shut or blocked, doing so could put yourself or others in danger.
If you have any questions or concerns about how to use your balcony safely, please get in touch at buildingsafety@karbonhomes.co.uk
You can also join our Building Safety Panel for exciting opportunities and to make a real impact on how we manage the safety of your home. Contact Stacey Close on 0784 148 2504 or email connectwithkarbon@karbonhomes.co.uk
Advice from Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service:
“Balconies can present a serious fire risk if they’re not utilised safely. Without proper care and attention, fires can quickly start from discarded cigarettes, overloaded sockets, disposable barbecues and decorative items.
“We’re asking residents to keep balconies clear of anything flammable, avoid using barbecues or fire pits, and ensure any cigarette ends are fully extinguished and disposed of safely."
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