Fire services are currently running campaigns to raise awareness of fire safety for tenants and landlords of flats, high-rise buildings, and Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMOs).
The fire services are emphasising the importance of having, and knowing, a fire escape plan, which they can help landlords create. They are also ensuring that people know what to do if there is a fire in their home, or elsewhere in the building, and who they can ask for advice.
The London Fire Brigade launched the Know the Plan campaign last year, a 12-month plan aimed at guaranteeing landlords and housing providers follow fire safety regulations. They are also calling for those living in flats and maisonettes in purpose-built blocks to understand what to do if there is a fire.
The website, www.knowtheplan.co.uk, contains information, videos, and downloads for both tenants and landlords.
Ron Dobson, London Fire Commissioner, says: “Living in a flat is no more dangerous than living in a house, but it’s important to know that your fire plan should be different.”1
Chairman of the London Fire and Emergency Planning Authority, James Cleverly, adds: “Landlords and housing providers with legal responsibilities for flats and maisonettes in purpose-built blocks need to act to ensure their residents are safe and understand what to do in a fire.”1
Other services have also backed the campaign. South Yorkshire Fire & Rescue is ensuring their residents know the plan, and they are advising tenants to speak to their landlord about specific fire evacuation plans for their building.
The service said, in a statement: “They should be able to tell you if and when a fire risk assessment has been completed. If there hasn’t been a fire risk assessment, the responsible person is not fulfilling their legal duty. If this is the case, get in touch with your local fire safety regulation team.”1
1 http://www.landlordtoday.co.uk/news_features/Fire-services-spread-the-‘Know-The-Plan’-message