Keeping Your Flat Fire Safe
Living in a flat in Scotland fosters a sense of community, but it also means sharing a building with others. This shared space introduces potential fire hazards that wouldn’t exist in a detached house.
Luckily, there’s a lot you can do to improve fire safety in your flat and building. This blog post will summarise some key points to keep you and your neighbours safe.
Who is this guide for?
This advice applies to residents in flats across Scotland. It’s particularly relevant if your building has shared hallways and common areas.
Fire safety responsibilities
Residents have a key role to play. Here are some key things you can do:
- Be aware of the fire escape plan: Your building should have a designated escape route. Familiarise yourself with it and understand where the fire exits are located.
- Know the fire alarm system: Understand how the fire alarm system in your building works and what to do when it sounds.
- Keep communal areas clear: Don’t store belongings in hallways, stairwells, or landings. These spaces need to be entirely clear to allow for safe evacuation during a fire. This includes bulky items like bicycles, prams, and shoe racks, as well as rubbish bags and recycling bins. Check your building’s fire safety policy for any specific guidelines.
- Fire safety in your flat: There are steps you can take to improve fire safety within your own flat. This includes keeping electrical appliances in good condition, avoiding overloading sockets, and keeping rubbish to a minimum.
Remember: Smoke alarms are vital fire safety tools. Make sure the smoke alarms in your flat are in working order and test them regularly according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
Further guidance
The Scottish Government website offers comprehensive fire safety information for residents in flats https://underoneroof.scot/articles/1557/Close_and_common_stair/Fire_safety_in_flats.
By following these fire safety tips, you can help create a safer living environment for yourself and your neighbours.
