Fire safety in flats
We work with West Midlands Fire Service to ensure every home is as safe as possible. While purpose-built blocks of flats are not at any greater risk of fire, it is important that you know what to do if a fire breaks out, whether in your own home or somewhere else in the building.
In flatted accommodation, the evacuation policy is 'Stay Put Unless'. As outlined below, this refers to when a fire is not in your flat.
If you think you may need help to leave your home in an emergency contact us and we will arrange a visit from one of our Fire Safety officers, who will work with you to create a plan to suit your needs.
You should also contact us if you have a temporary vulnerability - such as a broken leg or hip - as this may affect your ability to escape in the event of a fire.
- If a fire breaks out in your flat
- If a fire breaks out somewhere else in the building
- If you are cut off by fire
- Alert everyone in your flat and leave immediately, closing all doors behind you
- Follow the evacuation plan for your building
- Always use the stairs, not the lift and call 999 or 112 as soon as you are in a safe place
- If your planned escape route is too dangerous call 999 or 112 and stay in the safest room, keep doors closed and use towels or bedding to block the smoke at the bottom of the door
- Don’t go back into the flat until the fire service says it is safe to do so
- Stay in your flat with the doors and windows closed unless you are being directly affected by heat or smoke
- If you are affected by heat or smoke leave your flat as above
- Call 999 or 112 immediately for advice and to check that the emergency services know what’s happening
- If you are told to leave by the fire service, do so immediately closing the door behind you, and following your building’s evacuation plan
- Always use the stairs, not the lift, and do not re-enter until you’re told it’s safe
- Regularly checking your smoke alarms will help to prevent this, as they will give you early warning
- If your escape route is blocked by fire or smoke call 999 or 112 immediately and stay inside the safest room with a window that opens
- Keep the door closed and use towels or bedding at the bottom of the door to block the smoke
- If you are trapped, go to the balcony or window so that you can be seen and wait to be rescued by a firefighter
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Daily fire safety checks
Our Concierge team carries out inspections of communal areas in tower blocks every day, checking for anything that may pose a potential fire risk. These checks cover eight main areas. They are:
- Dry risers and meter rooms. They check these to ensure there's no damage to the doors that might mean they're unable to contain fire and smoke to the required standard. They will also check that the dry risers are in working order so that the fire service can quickly connect their hoses in the event of an actual fire.
- Fire doors to lift lobby areas. They check that the doors aren't damaged and that they're fit to withstand fire and smoke.
- Communal areas and landings. The Concierge team will remove anything we consider a potential obstruction in the event of a fire, such as plant pots, bikes and rubbish.
- Stairwells. They check there isn't anything that might obstruct anyone trying to escape from the building. They also check the windows are able to open and close securely and will report any repairs.
- Bin rooms. They check the sprinkler systems and make sure the doors are in a good state of repair.
- Chute rooms. They check the doors and chute hoppers are working correctly, and clear any rubbish or debris that may be blocking the chutes.
- Lifts. They check the CCTV cameras, ensuring they can be operated from the control room. They will also check that the lift control panel is working correctly and that the lift is able to go up and down to all floors.
- Door entry system. They check that the main doors and CCTV are working properly.
The Concierge team also keeps a lookout for anything in or around the building that poses a fire risk, has the potential to accelerate the spread of fire, or hinder escape from the building in the event of a fire.
Any fire safety-related issues are dealt with within 24 hours, if not sooner.
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Fire risk assessments
We have independent and professional fire risk assessments carried out on a 12 month basis which include action plans to sort any issues that are discovered. The fire risk assessments only detail the findings of the assessments; they do not contain any detail of any follow on actions that have been taken since the assessments were completed.
Please get in touch if you would like a copy of your fire risk assessment.
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Keeping escape routes clear
Emergency exits through communal areas must remain clear so everyone can get out quickly and safely if they need to.
- Furniture cannot be stored or used in the communal area. This includes chairs, tables, cupboards, screens and similar items.
- Pictures and other wall ornaments are not allowed unless provided or approved by Wolverhampton Homes.
- An external letterbox fitted to the wall is allowed if your front door is not fitted with a letterbox or you have a specific need for it to be fitted in a different position.
- Net curtains and window shades are not permitted in communal areas.
- Bikes, prams, pushchairs and similar items must not be stored in communal areas unless there is a purpose-built secure cupboard or approved storage area.
- Mobility scooters must usually be stored in your own flat. If this is very difficult or not possible, please contact our fire safety team for advice.
- Recycling or rubbish bins must not be stored in communal areas unless within a purpose-built area.
- Security grilles and gates must not be installed in front or behind your front door.
- Decorations including fairy lights, tinsel and similar items must not be placed in communal areas.
- Internal drying areas should be used for temporary drying of clothes only, with items removed once they are dry. You must not dry clothes over handrails or bannisters.
- Any other objects that obstruct communal areas or create a fire hazard are not acceptable.
If you would like to store your bike, pushchair or similar item as it's difficult to take it upstairs, please contact our fire safety team as we may be able to help you find somewhere suitable.
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Highly flammable items
To protect yourselves and your neighbours, it's extra important in a flat or maisonette to be careful of any highly flammable items you have at home.
- Please do not use or store liquid gas or paraffin heaters
- Do not light barbeques on balconies
- Do not use bio ethanol fires
- Do not store any highly flammable, explosive or noxious substances, such as paraffin or petrol
Thank you for your help in keeping your community safe.
Sprinklers save lives
See more about sprinklers and why they are important for your tower block flat.