High rise blocks of flats fire safety advice from t' government

[Karissa]

Discuss 

What to do if you live in a high-rise flat
If you live in a block of flats, you should consider that a fire could start directly outside your flat, or in the stairwell. See 'Planning a safe escape' for more information on planning an escape - it includes specific guidance for plans for high-rises.

If a fire starts in your flat or the stairwell and you can’t get out:

•get everyone into a room with a window - put cushions, bedding, or clothes around the bottom of the door to block smoke
•open the window - if you feel in serious danger, wave a sheet out of the window so the firefighters know you're there
•if the fire is directly outside your flat, seal your front door with tape, bedding or clothes, close any ventilators and phone 999
•if your front door becomes hot, wet it down

http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/HomeAndCommunity/InYourHome/FireSafety/DG_071794

[AnthonyB]

Just to balance the thread out the same website in the detailed advice section (which the above quote tells people in flats to read) says (My italics):

Escaping from a high-rise building

Living above the first floor doesn't necessarily make you any more at risk from fire. High-rise flats are built to be fire-proof – walls, ceilings and doors will hold back flames and smoke.

Most of your planning should be the same as homes at ground level, but there are some key differences:

-   you won’t be able to use the lift if there’s a fire, so choose an escape route that takes this into account
-   count how many doors there are on the route to get to the stairs when you can’t use the lift, in case you can’t find your way
-   make sure stairways and fire escapes are kept clear of all obstructions and that fire doors are never locked
-   regularly check that you can open the doors to stairways or escapes from both sides

If there's a fire elsewhere in the building, you are usually safest in your own flat, unless heat or smoke is affecting you. If you are affected, you should get out, stay out and call 999.

[kurnal]

Its a bit of a pity that a rather disjointed attempt was made to educate residents over the importance of keeping communal areas free from combustible materials and the importance of fire doors but I do have some sympathy with the author. This is one of the most common questions from occupiers of high rise buildings and post Lakenal House it is diifficult to give only a prevention message. People want more than that.

In this context it is hard to contradict the advice given, though we may regret its brevity.