High Rise Safety

• Make sure everyone in your home knows about the fire
• Alert neighbouring flats by banging on the doors on your way out
• Set off the fire alarm if there is one
• Close all doors behind you
• If there's a lot of smoke, crawl along the floor where the air will be clearer

• Don't use the lift - go down the escape stairs
• Don't delay for valuables
• Don't investigate the fire
• Before you open doors check them with the back of your hand. If they're warm don't open them - the fire may be on the other side

Use a mobile phone or phone box. Give the address including the number of your flat, and tell them which floor the fire is on.

If fire breaks out in another flat you may be alerted by the sound of a smoke alarm. If the flat is next to yours, or immediately below, follow the previous advice.

If the fire is on another floor, it should be safe to stay in your own flat. You should close all windows and doors and call the Fire & Rescue Service.

You may not be able to get out of your flat because fire or smoke is blocking the exit. Or you may not be able to get out of the building if, for example, there is a fire outside your flat or in the stairway.

If you are unable to escape from your flat, get everyone into a room with a window or balcony. Block off the bottom of the door with cushions or bedding to keep out smoke.

If possible, open a window for fresh air and shout for assistance to let firefighters know you are there and need to be rescued.

If the fire is outside your flat, seal your front door with tape, damp towels or bedding. Close any ventilators. Phone 999, giving the number of your flat.  If your front door becomes hot, wet it down.

You may smell smoke, but remember your flat is a safe refuge area. Close all windows and doors and call the Fire & Rescue Service.

If you feel threatened by the fire/smoke spreading, inform a Police or Fire Officer.

Only leave the safety of your flat if it is affected by smoke/fire or on the instructions of a Police or Fire Officer.

Leave the building by using the escape stairs - never use the lift unless directed to do so by a Fire Officer.

Corridors, drying areas, cupboards etc - don't clutter these areas of your building. Don't dump old furniture or carpets in any of these areas.

Unlocked cupboards and stores in common areas can be a fire problem - they must not be used to store flammable or combustible materials.

Any fire that breaks out in a common area will block the escape route for you and your family.

If fire setting is a problem in your building or neighbourhood, report it to your local Police or Crimestoppers Scotland - Telephone 0800 555 111.

• Ensure your smoke alarms are working.
• Report any defective self-closing fire doors or firefighting equipment.
• Do not use or store bottled flammable gas cylinders within high rise flats and
• do not store or use any flammable liquids such as petrol or paraffin etc.
• Always stay calm and follow the instructions of the Police and Fire & Rescue Service in the event of an emergency or fire.
• Close all fire doors behind you as you escape.
• Pass information about the location of the fire to the concierge or Fire Officers.

For advice on fire safety in your home, or to arrange a free Home Fire Safety Visit, phone 0800 0731 999.

In case of damaged or defective smoke alarms, fire doors, firefighting equipment, fire lifts etc, please contact your Housing Provider/Factor.

To arrange immediate uplift of unwanted furniture, refuse or other items and combustible materials, please contact the Cleansing Department.

To report instances of crime in your neighbourhood, please contact Crimestoppers Scotland on 0800 555 111.