High Rise Landlords
Landlords have many responsibilities to their tenants, from the condition of their properties to adhering to all relevant legislation and regulations.
No matter what kind of property it is, ensuring the safety of tenants is certainly a priority of landlords. However, recent studies have shown that proprietors of high-rise accommodation need to do more to protect their tenants from the risk of fire.
A study by the London Fire Brigade showed that there are approximately two fires per day in high-rise flats, on average. The LFB’s survey concluded that almost 50% of high-rise tenants would make potentially lethal decisions if there was a fire in their building, with most of these people saying they would get out of their flat, even if the fire was located somewhere else within the complex. This is one of the most dangerous courses of action you can take, unless you are being directly affected by fire or smoke.
The Know the Plan Campaign has been devised by the LFB following the Lakanal fire inquest and recommendations made by the Coroner. It advises tenants on whether they should be ‘#StayingIn’ or ‘#GoingOut’ if there is a fire in their high-rise apartment complex, with the aim of informing people of the safest course of action in the event of a fire.
“If you leave your flat you could be running into danger”
London Fire Brigade Deputy Commissioner Rita Dexter said: “Flats and maisonettes are built to give some protection from fire – walls, floors and doors will hold back flames and smoke for a minimum of 30 minutes and up to 60 – so if there is a fire elsewhere in the building but not inside your home you are usually safer staying in your flat unless the fire or smoke is directly affecting you.”
“Staying put if you know there is a fire in your building may go against your natural instincts but if you leave your flat you could be running into danger such as choking smoke or equipment being used to fight the fire elsewhere in the block.”
Firefighters attended over 514 fires in communal areas last year, as places like hallways and lobbies caught fire – the reason for this is that they can often contain things like rubbish, which can provide a very flammable fuel source for fires. However, thanks to the survey and the Know the Plan Campaign, there has been a 70% increase in high-rise occupants saying that they now have a solid and clear plan of what to do in the event of an emergency.
Here at City Fire Protection, we are providers of the finest fire safety equipment and services to our customers. From the installation, repair and maintenance of state of the art fire alarm systems to fire safety training, our expert team are able to provide everything you need to ensure your premises are as safe as possible. For more information, get in touch with us today.
