Fire Safety Advice - High-Rise Buildings

You are not at any more risk from fire because you are living in a high-rise flat. High-rise flats are built to be fireproof. Doors, walls and ceilings will hold back flames and smoke. Most fires don’t spread further than one or two rooms. If there is a fire in another flat in the building, you are usually safest in your own home, unless you are affected by the heat or smoke.

Make sure that you’ve got a smoke alarm 

If your alarm is bleeping from time to time, you need to fit a new battery. Press the button to test it once every week.  If the alarm doesn’t work, contact the Repairs Centre on 0808 126 3123 to get it repaired. If you own your flat, replace the alarm.  If the alarm has a battery, change the battery every year, even if it’s still working. 

Make an escape plan for your home

You don’t have to be an expert, just think it through. How would you get out at night?  How would you get the kids out? Plan to make one room your ‘safe room’ in case you can’t escape. It’s best if it’s a room with a window and a phone. If you are trapped, go to the balcony, but don’t think about jumping, wait for the fire brigade.  Don’t use the lifts. Tell everyone in your home what the escape plan is and tell everyone where the door key is. Practise what you would do if you had a real fire.

Keep your escape route clear

Make sure there is no rubbish in your hall and report any obstructions you see in corridors and stairways.  Make sure everyone knows where the stairs are. Practise what you would do if you had a real fire.

If there is a fire in your flat

Try to keep calm. Shout to let everyone in the flat know, then get out and stay out. Don’t stop for valuables, your life is more important.  Don’t go looking for the fire. Don’t open doors if they are warm to touch. If there is a lot of smoke, crawl on the floor, the air will be clearer there. Phone the fire brigade. It’s free to dial 999 from any phone. If you can’t get out because the fire is blocking your escape, get everyone into the ‘safe room’.  Pack cushions, bedding, pillows or towels at the bottom of the door to block the smoke. Open the window and wave a sheet to let the firefighters know that you are there. If you have any sticky tape, put that around the door to seal it. If you have any water, wet the door if it starts getting hot. No one should jump from a high-rise, ever.

If the fire is outside your flat

If you smell smoke in the communal area or from the refuse chute, phone the fire brigade. But remember, your flat is your safe refuge from fire.  Stay there and close all windows and doors.  If your front door starts to feel warm to the touch, pack cushions, bedding, pillows or towels at the bottom of the door to block the smoke.  If you have any sticky tape, put that around the door to seal it. Wet the door with water if it starts getting hotter.  Open the window and wave a sheet to let the firefighters know that you are there.  Only leave the safety of your flat if you are affected by heat or smoke, or if you are told to leave by firefighters or police. Use the stairs - never use the lift if there is a fire anywhere in the building.  

Keeping your building safe

Never use or store bottled gas cylinders in high-rise flats. Never tamper with dry riser inlets on landings; it could cost lives if they are not working properly when there is a fire. If you see a dry riser vandalised, report it immediately. Never park so that you block access to high-rise flats.  Access roads are designed so that fire appliances can get as close as possible to fight fires.