What to do if a fire is in your building
It is 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.
Fire or smoke in your flat
- You should never try to fight a fire yourself
- Where possible and safe to do so, close the door of the room where the fire is
- Alert any other people in the flat and activate any manual fire alarms.
- Call the fire service by dialling 999, stay on the line as you evacuate the building. Never assume someone else has called.
- Get out, stay low if there is smoke, close all doors behind you, and stay out
- Always use the stairs to get out of the building and keep left. Do not use a lift unless instructed by a firefighter. This is because the fire may cause a power failure, trapping you inside. It may also stop firefighters from using it to transport equipment to higher levels.
- Don’t go back into the building to retrieve valuables or pets until the fire service says it is safe to do so.
It’s important to find out where the muster point for your building is. This is where you need to go if there is a fire. It is normally outside of your building in a specific area. Contact your landlord to find out. It is dangerous to gather in the hallway or lobby area as you might block access for our firefighters who need to get into the building.
Fire in another part of the building
For many flats it is safer for you to stay in your flat, however, some flats in interim measures may have a full evacuation plan instead. It is important to find out what the advice is for your building from your landlord and know your escape plan.
If you do feel unsafe or your flat is affected by heat or smoke, then get out and call the fire service by dialling 999 and stay on the line.
If a member of the fire service tells you to leave the building, you should do so immediately.
If you are cut off by fire
- If your escape route is blocked by fire or smoke, if it is safe to do so stay inside the safest room with a window that opens to fresh air, ring 999 and stay on the line for advice.
- Keep the door closed and use towels or bedding at the bottom of the door to block the smoke.
- If you are trapped, and it is safe to do so, go to the balcony or window so that you can be seen - but don’t jump.
- Wait to be rescued by a firefighter.
The videos below explain what you should do in the event of a fire in a block of flats operating a 'Stay Safe' policy, and a block of flats operating an evacuation policy.