Fireproof design
High-rise flats are built to be fireproof. Walls, ceilings and doors must all be designed to:
- resist fire
- stop the spread of smoke
- provide a safe means of escape
Fire safety planning
If you live in a high-rise flat or apartment, you should:
- check the fire safety arrangements for your building - these will advise you on the building’s specific fire safety plan and, in the event of a fire, will decide your emergency plan
- make a fire escape plan and practise what you and your family would do if you had a real fire in your flat
- make sure stairways and fire escape routes are kept clear of all obstructions
- check that doors on escape routes are never locked and can open from both sides
- never tamper with internal fire mains (dry or wet riser) inlets on landings - these provide water to firefighters when there is an emergency (it could cost lives if they’re not working properly when there is a fire)
- report a vandalised or damaged dry riser immediately to the management for the building and to NI Fire and Rescue Service
- never use or store bottled gas cylinders in high-rise flats
- never park or block access to high-rise flats - access roads are designed so that fire appliances can get as close as possible to fight fires
If there is a fire
If there is a fire elsewhere in the high-rise building:
- the structure of your flat is designed to give you the appropriate protection
- you are usually safer to stay in your flat unless the heat and smoke is affecting you
- if you stay put, you should still call 999 for advice and to make sure firefighters have been told of the fire
If there is a fire inside your flat:
- get out immediately - do not delay by trying to put the fire out yourself
- crawl along the floor where the air is clearer if there is a lot of smoke in your flat
- alert all the people in your flat and close all doors behind you as you leave
- follow your fire escape plan
- always use the stairs rather than a lift and call 999 as soon as you are in a safe place
- never assume that someone else has called 999
- if possible, alert neighbours about the fire - bang on their doors on your way out
- if it is too dangerous to follow your escape route because the hallway and stairs are filled with smoke, stay inside the safest room and call 999
- keep the door closed and pack blankets or clothes around the door to keep smoke out and hang a towel or similar item out of the window to let firefighters know where you are when they arrive
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