Get smart about fire but if necessary

Get out, Stay out

Your building has been built in such a way as to protect the people in it if a fire breaks out.  The important thing to remember is that if a fire starts in your home, it is up to you to make sure you can get out of it.

Think about an escape plan now so you can be prepared in the event of an emergency.  Make sure you and your family are aware of what you need to do.

  • Discuss your escape plan with everyone in your home, especially children, the  elderly and disabled
  • Your best route is your normal way in and out of your home so keep it clear
  • Think of difficulties you or others may have getting out, for example in the middle of the night
  • Make sure everyone knows where to find door and window keys
  • Consider a second escape route, in case the first one is blocked
  • Establish the safest and quickest ways to escape from each part of the house
  • Practise your escape plan

If a fire breaks out in your home :

If you are in a room where the fire is, leave straight away, together with anybody else, then close the door.

DO NOT stay behind to try to put the fire out

DO NOT go back into your home for any reason

DO NOT use any lifts if your building has them

CALL 999 as soon as you are able

If you live in a block of flats – be fire aware

  • Do not store rubbish, household waste, furniture or other belongings in any part of the communal entrance or stairs.  These items can block the escape route from flats and add to any fire that has started.
  • Do not interfere with any safety equipment
  • Do not prop the fire door open
  • Do not store bottled gas, paraffin, petrol, or any other dangerous goods in your home or any communal areas.
  • Do not use a lift if there is a fire in the building or the fire alarm is sounding.

Smoke and Heat alarms

These are fitted in our properties but the number and type varies.  The alarm will make a noise if a fire breaks out.

  • You must never try to disconnect your alarm, paint over it, move it or remove the battery
  • You should remove dust from your smoke alarms regularly using a vacuum cleaner

For your safety alarms are tested regularly. You can use the test button to test the alarm.  Please let us know immediately if there is a fault or you require advice.  You must allow us access to your home when required to enable us to service the smoke detector or fire alarm system.

The fire detection or alarm system has been designed for persons with no disabilities.  Please let us know immediately if your circumstances have changed and if you require any specially adapted fire alarm systems to suit your requirements.

if you are concerned and want to discuss fire safety further, contact your neighbourhood officer who’s details you can find here