At Home

Fire Safety in High Rise Buildings

Your building has been specially designed to resist fire, stop the spread of smoke and provide a safe means of escape. But should there be a fire in your block you need to ensure you protect yourself and your family.

There are simple measures you can take to keep you and your family safe:

• Install a smoke alarm in your home; test it weekly;
• Make sure your escape route is kept clear of obstructions and that doors to stairways are not damaged or faulty – if they are, report it to your concierge or local housing office.
• Have an escape plan so that if a fire does break out in your home, you and your family are fully prepared and every one knows what to do.

If the fire is IN your flat or apartment:

• Follow your escape plan: get everyone out, stay out, and call the Fire Service.
• Close your doors to contain the fire.
• Activate the fire alarm if the building has one.
• Go down the nearest stairs, DO NOT use the lift.

If there is a fire, but it is NOT IN your flat or apartment:

• Call the Fire Service; NEVER assume that someone else has already done so – you could save someone’s life.
• If there is no smoke in the hallways or stairwells, and it is safe to do so, follow your escape plan.

If it is TOO DANGEROUS to follow your escape plan:

• Phone the Fire Service and stay inside your home.
• Keep your door closed and put towels or bedding round the bottom of the door to block smoke.
• The Fire Service will attend very quickly to escort you to safety.