Escape Routes and Evacuation Plans

In the event of a fire emergency, it is important to have a fire evacuation plan that all residents are aware of so they can get to safety

 

  • The best escape route is the usual way you come in and go out of your home.

 

  • Wherever possible, you should plan a second route in case the first one is blocked.

 

  • Take a few minutes to practise your escape route regularly and make sure everyone in your household knows what to do.

 

  • Remember that when you leave your flat, some of the smoke may follow you into the corridor. As stairwells are ventilated, it’s really important to get to one in your building as quickly as you can.

 

  • If your front door needs a key to lock it, keep it (and window keys) easily accessible where everyone you live with can find them.

 

  • If anyone in your household has mobility issues and adaptations are required to support their access needs, you should contact your local council as they may be able to help.

 

  • Make sure mobility aids and methods of calling for help are easily accessible and close to hand (e.g. mobile phone/link alarm or pendant).

 

  • It’s essential that routes aren’t blocked so make sure the way in and out of your home is kept clear of anything that may slow down or block your escape – e.g. don’t store bulky items, such as white goods, in your hallway.

 

Do you know how you would escape in an emergency?

 

For more information and advice on planning escape routes please visit the London Fire Brigades guidance here to find out how to develop an escape plan.

 

Stay Put and Evacuation Strategies?

 

If you live in a purpose-built block the strategy in case of a fire will be either to evacuate or stay put. You should familiarise what these mean and what you should do in the unlikely event of a fire; to evacuate or to stay put. 

 

  • If you’re not sure what the strategy is for your building, you will find it on the Fire Action Notice on your block notice-board.

 

  • If in doubt, please contact via Customer Services on 020 8709 4300. 

 

  • All of our buildings must, by law, display a Fire Action Notice to explain to residents and visitors what they need to do in the unlikely event of a fire. 

 

Taking Notice of Fire Action Notices

 

Below are typical examples of Fire Action Notices, which are located in the entrance of each building, such as the communal notice board:

 

FireSafety1 FireSafety2

 

It is important to familiarise yourself with the Notice for your building as the information provided includes details of whether the strategy for your building is to evacuate or stay put in the event of a fire emergency which could save lives in a fire emergency.