Home Your Home Safety Fire safety in flats

Fire safety in flats

All blocks of flats are built  with fire safety in mind, so that if there is a fire, it is unlikely to spread to any other flats or common areas. 

Fire safety is everybody's responsibility, so please make sure that you're familiar with the Fire Safety notices in your building, especially fire action notices and emergency escape plans.

You can also help keep your block safe by:

  • keeping corridors clear 
  • not propping fire doors open       
  • taking care when cooking       
  • never leaving unattended candles burning       
  • making sure cigarettes are properly extinguished       
  • not putting flammable materials in communal store cupboards       
  • not keeping bottled gas canisters in your home       
  • taking responsibility for rubbish and making sure it’s disposed of appropriately       
  • making sure mobility scooters, bicycles or other items are not left in corridors or somewhere  that might hinder your exit from your flat       
  • knowing your escape routes in case you are asked to leave your flat if told do so in an emergency – and making sure everyone who lives in your home knows them too. 

Fire in your own flat 

  • If there's a fire in your flat, alert everyone else in your flat and leave the flat  straightaway.
  • As you leave, close all doors behind you, as this will slow the spread of smoke and fire.
  • Never stop to collect belongings, and don't use balconies or any lifts.
  • Once you're safely outside, call 999 

Fire in another flat or in a common area 

  • If there's a fire in another flat or a communal area, it's usually safer to remain in your own flat until the Fire Service arrives. 
  • However, if you become aware of a fire or smoke entering your own flat, or you feel unsafe, then you should leave the building straightaway, where possible
  • In either case, if you are aware of a fire in another flat, you should call 999. Never assume someone else has already done it.

Importance of the sterile policy in communal areas 

  • The sterile policy means keeping all corridors, stairwells and stairs clear of rubbish and personal belongings, including bicycles, prams and mobility scooters, at all times to reduce fire risk and keep escape routes clear.
  • No doors, including exits, should be wedged or held open, as these are designed to limit smoke and fire spread in the event of a fire.  


There's more information on the government website.