Living in a high-rise block doesn’t mean you are any more at risk from fire, but it does mean you need to consider your fire safety and the impact a fire in your home could have on other residents.

It’s important, for your own safety, to understand what to do in the event of a fire; whether it’s in your flat or somewhere else in the building.

Protect your home

• Working smoke alarms save lives; fit yours and test them regularly
• Take care when cooking; over the last 3 years we’ve seen more than 1,000 accidental fires involving cooking appliances
• Don’t overload plug sockets; an extension lead or adapter will have a limit to how many amps it can take so, to help reduce the risk of fire. Keep one plug per socket
• Appliances; unplug them when they’re not in use, keep them clean and in good working order and check for British or European safety marks
• Check your property for worn cables and wires
• Ensure cigarettes are put out and disposed of carefully
• Keep matches and lighters away from children

Be prepared

Keep all exits clear, in your home and communal corridors

• Keep door and window keys accessible
• Report any damage to fire doors and your building’s firefighting equipment as soon as you see it
• Know how to isolate your flat’s gas, electric and water supply
• Get to know your neighbours. Are they young, elderly or vulnerable? They may need help in an emergency
• Know your building’s evacuation plan. If you don’t know, contact your building’s owner, landlord or warden

What to do if there’s a fire…

In your flat or a neighbour’s flat:

• Leave your flat and close the door
• Use the stairs
• Call 999

Elsewhere in your block:

• Close your windows and doors
• Call 999 - Never assume someone has called
• If your building has a “stay put” policy, the building is designed so that in the event of a fire you do not need to leave your flat and evacuate the premises. However, if you feel threatened by smoke or fire, get out and stay out
• REMEMBER - NEVER fight a fire yourself

For more information on keeping your home safe, visit www.electricalsafetyfirst.org.uk and www.registermyappliance.org.uk

Or to report a safety risk in your home or building, contact us