Keeping yourself and others safe from fire in your high rise building.
The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service have issued guidance to people staying in high-rise blocks in order to protect themselves from fire.
Most multi-storey domestic buildings are designed to ensure fire is not likely to spread within the building. Therefore, if a fire breaks out in your building, but not in your flat, tenants are advised to stay put.
This advice should be followed unless the home is directly affected by heat, smoke or fire or if Scottish Fire and Rescue or Police instructs you to leave.
It is rare that people become trapped by fire but if you find yourself in this situation everyone in the property should make their way to a ‘safe room’ in the property which should have a window and a phone.
They should call the Fire and Rescue Service and pack bedding or towels around the door to keep out smoke.
Open the window to breathe clean air and try attracting attention by waving a sheet if it is safe to do so.
There is also some basic advice which should be followed to stop fire breaking out.
Cooking should never be left unattended and deep fat fryers or ovens should be used to cook chips rather than open chip pans.
Make sure cigarettes are put out properly in a sturdy ashtray.
Don’t smoke in a chair or in bed if you have been drinking alcohol or feel sleepy.
Keep lighters and matches away from children.
Do not overload sockets by plugging in too many electrical appliances.
Turn electrical appliances off at the wall rather than leaving them on standby and don’t leave appliances such as washing machines, dishwasher and tumble dryers on when you leave the house.
Make sure stairs, landings and corridors are kept clear for escape. Remove bikes, prams and other objects that could obstruct people trying to leave.
If you have arranged for items to be taken away for disposal, do not leave these in common areas.
Make sure all rubbish is disposed of properly using the communal bins provided.
Close all doors when you go to bed, especially the doors to the lounge and kitchen.
Plan an escape route out of your home and keep it clear so you can leave quickly if you have to.
Make sure everyone knows the escape plan.
Make sure you’ve got working smoke and heat alarms and test them weekly.
Get out as quickly as you can, closing doors behind you to stop smoke and the fire spreading.
Use the stairs to get down to the ground floor. Never take the lift.
Once you get out, call the Fire and Rescue Service and stay out.
Tell other residents if you can, but don’t put yourself at risk.
Any questions about fire risk awareness should be directed to your housing officer, visit www.firescotland.gov.uk or speak with crew at the local fire station.
To book a free home fire safety visit call 0800 0731 999, text ‘FIRE’ to 80800 or visit Home fire safety visits | Scottish Fire and Rescue Service.