If you live in a flat or bed-sit, you are more at risk from fire than if you live in an individual, single family, house. This is mainly because a greater number of people with a broader range of lifestyles occupy your immediate surroundings. However, it is because of this that blocks of dwellings must be built with safe escape routes protected by fire-resisting walls and fire doors. This helps to give all occupants time to exit their homes to safety.

It is now compulsory for landlords of all rented properties to fit working smoke alarms on each floor of the property as a minimum, and to install carbon monoxide alarms if solid fuel is burned.

Prepare

• Keep escape routes free from obstructions and storage and know where they are.
• Never wedge open fire doors or remove door-closing devices; a fire door can only protect you if it is kept closed. Learn how the smoke alarm works
• Make sure everyone in the property knows how to call the fire service in an emergency

What to do if a fire occurs

If you are not trapped by fire

• Sound the alarm
• Exit the building as quickly as possible, closing all doors behind you
• Telephone the fire service from a place of safety
• Do not go back in for any reason.

If you are trapped in your room

• Close the door and use bedding, clothing or soft furnishings to block any gaps that might let smoke or fumes in
• Shout help from the window so that neighbours can hear and the fire service can see and hear you when they arrive.