Living in a flat in comes with a great sense of community, but it also means sharing common areas with your neighbours. These hallways, stairwells, and landings are vital for safe passage in and out of the building, especially in a fire emergency.
Unfortunately, common areas can sometimes become cluttered with belongings, creating a safety hazard. This blog post will explore why keeping communal areas clear is important and how you can be a considerate and fire-safe flat dweller.
Why Keep Communal Areas Clear?
There are two main reasons why keeping communal areas clear is essential: safety and fairness.
- Safety First: In the event of a fire, a clear escape route is vital. Blocked hallways and stairwells can delay evacuation and increase the risk of injury or even death. Having bulky items in these spaces can also make it difficult for firefighters to access the building.
- Fairness to Flatmates: Communal areas belong to everyone in the building. Blocking these spaces with personal belongings can be inconsiderate to your neighbours and restrict their access to key building features.
What Can You Do to Help?
Here are some easy tips to be a fire-safe and considerate flatmate:
- Store it Properly: Do you have a bike, pram, or bulky shoe shelves? These items, while important, shouldn’t be clogging communal areas. Consider alternative storage solutions like a bike shed, shed in the garden, or renting a storage locker.
- Bins Belong Outside: While it might be convenient, don’t store rubbish bags or recycling bins in communal areas. Not only is this unsightly, but it can also become a fire hazard. Keep them outside in designated bins.
- Check the Small Print: Many buildings have fire safety policies that outline specific guidelines for communal area usage. Familiarize yourself with these rules and ensure you’re not unintentionally creating blockages.
- Communicate: If you see someone storing belongings in communal areas, have a friendly chat with them about the fire safety risks and building regulations.
Let’s Work Together
Keeping communal areas clear is a team effort. By following these tips and working together with your neighbours, you can create a safer and more pleasant living environment for everyone in your Glasgow flat.
Bonus Fire Safety Tip: Make sure you are familiar with the fire escape plan for your building and know the location of the fire exits.
Looking for More Information?
Homesbook offers a range of resources for tenants in Glasgow, including information on your rights and responsibilities https://www.homesbook.co.uk/.
Remember, a little effort from everyone can make a big difference in keeping your Glasgow flat fire safe!
