FIRE SAFETY IN HIGH RISE DWELLINGS
Modern high rise dwellings have been designed and constructed to provide a safe environment in the event of fire. The walls and doors between flats, stairs and corridors are specially designed to resist fire and stop the spread of smoke. Generally you will find that you can get to your front door without going through the rooms where a fire is most likely to start.
Lifts
Remember, never use the lift when it is suspected that there may be a fire in the building. Normally lifts are designed so that fire fighters can use them in an emergency.
Access
Outside the building, roads and other areas are designed to enable emergency vehicles to get as near as possible. Ensure that your visitors are aware of the parking arrangements and that they are not blocking emergency service access points.
Rubbish chutes
Some buildings are provided with chutes to enable the occupants to dispose of rubbish directly in to waste bins located in an enclosed area on the ground floor. Fires have been known to start in the bins endangering all the occupants by the careless disposal of smoking materials. It is therefore essential that care is taken to ensure discarded smoking materials are fully extinguished by applying water before discarding them into the chute…
The area where the waste bins are located should be kept secure to prevent unauthorised access by the possible arsonist.
Rules for fire safety in high rise flats
Remember that should fire break out in your home, the safety of you and your family will depend on the manner in which you and the other occupants observe the following fire safety rules....
Halls, passages and landings
Do not block your escape routes. It is important that your family can make unrestricted use of the hallway. Keep halls and passages free from combustible materials and any form of naked flame heating.
Rooms
Only use rooms in your home for the purpose for which they are intended - sleeping - cooking etc not for storage or workshops.
Heaters
Check heaters, especially portable ones, make sure they cannot be knocked over and are kept away from furniture, make sure that nothing can fall onto the heater. Never store gas cylinders inside your property.
Prevent fire spread
Before going to bed or leaving your flat, be sure to close all windows and doors.
Make your Plan
The best way to survive a fire is to be prepared for it should it occur. Make sure your family understands what to do in case of a fire in your flat. You must make your way together through the nearest exit without investigating the fire. Use the staircase and not the lifts and be aware of the nearest telephone to enable you to call the fire brigade.
Smoke Alarms
Many high rise buildings already have a fire warning system to enable the alarm to be raised in case of fire. However, depending on the system this may not be sufficient to save your life should a fire start in your flat.
A smoke alarm will provide you with that vital early warning. It is important that your smoke alarm can be heard throughout your flat. Ensure that your smoke alarm is well maintained, and that it is regularly tested. More Information on smoke alarms click here .
The Fire Brigade recommends that you fit at least one smoke alarm and that it conforms to the British Standard. For maximum protection you should provide smoke alarms in all risk rooms, except areas used for cooking.
What to do if fire breaks out in your flat
Call the fire brigade by dialing 999 on the nearest telephone. To assist the Fire Brigade, tell them what floor level the fire situation is on.
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Last Updated Friday October 5, 2001 4:19 PM
