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Fire safety in blocks of flats

Fire safety in blocks of flats

By taking sensible precautions you are no more at risk from fire if you live in a high rise building than any other type of building.

Blocks of flats are built to reduce the possibility of fire spreading out of the flat it starts in.

If the fire is in another flat you are safer staying in your own flat unless you are affected by heat and smoke form another flat.

Smoke alarms

We will make sure you have at least one working electronic smoke alarm.

Test your smoke alarm once a month to make sure it is working.

If your smoke alarm is battery operated call 01788 533888 and we will fit a smoke alarm that is wired into the electricity circuit. If your smoke alarm is wired into the electricity circuit and it is not working call 01788 533888 to arrange a repair.

If you don’t have a smoke alarm at all call 01788 533888 and we will arrange to have one fitted.

Think ahead

Make a plan so if the worst happens you have a better chance of escaping. Make sure everyone in the flat knows the escape plan.

Make one room the safe room. If possible it should have an opening window and a phone.

Mobility scooters

Mobility scooters and electric bikes are not permitted to be stored in communal areas under any circumstances unless you have received written permission to do so.

If they are found in communal areas you will be asked to remove them.

Escape routes

Keep the escape routes in your flat clear. If they are not you could trip over things when you are trying to escape.

Remember most fires happen at night so it will be dark and if the fire is in your flat smoke could make it difficult to see.

The communal areas of blocks of flats must be kept clear at all times. This reduces the chance of a fire starting and stop you from tripping over things when you are leaving the building.

If there is a fire and you need to leave the building always use the stairs.

Never use the lift.

If the fire is in your flat

  • Stay calm.
  • Tell everyone in the flat to get out.
  • Don’t stop to collect anything.
  • Call the fire brigade.
  • If the fire is blocking your escape route go back to your safe room, block the bottom of the door with blankets or clothes to stop the smoke.

If there is a fire in another flat

  • Stay in your flat and phone the fire service. Your flat is a safe place from fire.
  • Only leave your flat if it is affected by smoke or fire or if you are instructed to do so by the fire service.

If the fire is in a communal area

A communal area is a shared area such as a landing or corridor that is not part of your actual dwelling. If you smell smoke or see fire in a communal area leave the building and phone the fire service. If your escape route is blocked return to your flat and call the fire service.

Your flat is a safe place from fire.

Only leave your flat if it is affected by smoke or fire or if you are instructed to do so by the fire service.

In this section:

  1. You are here: Fire safety in blocks of flats Fire safety in blocks of flats
  2. You are here: Escape routes Escape routes