High-rise living

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 adaptor 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
• Prepare a grab bag that you can take if your building needs to be evacuated in the event of a fire (think about prescriptions, documents such as driving licence and passport, spare keys, mobile phone, charger and a torch)
• 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 yours 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
• If you feel in danger or at risk, leave the building