Fire safety advice, evacuations and PEEPs

Fire safety advice for flats

If you live in a flat, it's important to know how to reduce the risk of fire and what to do in an emergency. You should follow our fire safety tips.

Tenants

As a tenant, you are expected to:

never leave any personal items (including bikes, prams, furniture or bags), in communal areas and escape routes. These create a fire risk and may be removed without notice
never block fire exists or escape routes - exits and stairwells should be completely clear at all times
report any damaged fire doors, alarms or emergency lights
avoid using barbecues or open flames on balconies
do not tamper with fire safety equipment (including smoke detectors or fire extinguishers)
follow the fire evacuation plan displayed in your block

Fire doors and safety equipment

The block and individual flat entrances may be fitted with specialist fire doors.

There also may be alarms, smoke vents or sprinklers present.

These fire safety measures are there to protect you and others in the event of a fire. Do not remove or alter any of these fixtures.

What to do in the event of a fire

You should always familiarise yourself with the evacuation plan for your building.

Purpose-built flats

Typically, in purpose-built flats, if the fire:

is in your flat - get out, stay out, and call 999
is elsewhere - there is a ‘stay put’ escape strategy in place. If the fire is not affecting your property you can stay in your flat unless told otherwise by the Fire and Rescue services.

Purpose-built blocks of flats are designed to offer a minimum of 1 hour fire resistance between dwellings, with a view to containing the spread of fire long enough for Fire and Rescue Services to arrive on scene.

Converted buildings

Some buildings may have originally been designed and built for a different purpose (e.g. house, office block or industrial space).

If you live in a building that is not purpose-built and was later converted into flats, you will have a 'simultaneous escape strategy' in place.

This means once the alarm has been raised, you should leave the building immediately:

Get out
Stay out
Call 999

If you are unsure if this strategy applies to you, email [email protected].

Check the signage in your block for your specific fire plan - and follow it.

Concerns and queries

If you believe your building’s fire safety measures are inadequate or there are obstructions in communal areas, contact your Housing Officer or Building Safety team immediately by emailing [email protected].

Your fire plan

Know your fire plan as every building is different - your block will have a fire action notice near the entrance or in the lobby. Read it carefully and make sure everyone in your home understands what to do.

If you’re unsure, contact your Housing Officer. Practice your escape route and keep exits clear at all times.