Safety advice for high rise residents

You are not at greater risk of a fire starting if you live in a high-rise building.

  • Have at least one smoke alarm fitted and test it regularly
  • Plan what to do if there is a fire 
  • Understand the evacuation plan for the building.  This is normally displayed in the communal areas, alternatively contact the building management company for information

What to do if a fire breaks out

  • If there is a fire in your flat alert all the people in your flat and leave, closing doors behind you
  • Follow the evacuation plan for your building
  • Always use stairs, not the lift and call 999 as soon as you are in a safe place
  • If your planned escape route is too dangerous because stairs and hallways are full of smoke, call 999 and stay in the safest room - keep doors closed and use towels or bedding to block the smoke at the bottom of the door
  • If there is a fire in another part of the building, you should observe and follow the advice in the building evacuation plan
  • If there is a fire, never assume that someone else has called 999 - make the call yourself