Do you know your fire plan?

Fire services across the UK are running a campaigns to encourage both landlords and tenants increase their awareness of fire safety in flats, high rise buildings and houses in multiple occupation (HMOs).

They are especially focussing on the need to have a fire escape plan, and ensuring that all occupants of taller buildings are aware of what to do in the case of fire either in their home or elsewhere in the building.

London Fire Brigade has created a new website, Know The Plan, aimed at making sure landlords follow to fire safety regulations and helping people who live in purpose-built flats have a clear understanding of what to do in the case of a fire.

The key points made are:

• Make an escape plan and practise it regularly to make sure everyone knows how to escape – especially if you have young children.
• The best route is the normal way in and out of your home.
• Keep your keys in a known place, so you can grab them when you leave.
• Think of a second route in case the first one is blocked.
• Make sure exits are kept clear of anything that may slow down your escape.
• Don’t allow anything to be stored in communal hallways as this is both a fire risk and could slow you or others down.

London fire commissioner Ron Dobson said, “Living in a flat is no more dangerous than living in a house, but it’s important to know that your fire plan should be different.”

The chairman of the London Fire and Emergency Planning Authority James Cleverly said: “Landlords and housing providers with legal responsibilities for flats and maisonettes in purpose-built blocks need to act to ensure their residents are safe and understand what to do in a fire.”