Strengthening fire safety for high rise domestic buildings: consultation

Part 1: Fire Safety Information for People who live in High Rise Domestic Buildings

In this section we are looking to gather views on the main fire safety messages and ways to communicate fire safety information to people living in high rise domestic buildings. Our aim is to provide fire safety information that is easy to understand and get hold of. Information can be in leaflets, on a website or in short videos or other useful places.

Please read the example of Fire Safety Information for people who live in domestic high buildings below and then answer the questions

In addition to the consultation, we plan to hold engagement events with some people that live in high rise domestic buildings to develop effective, accessible advice and information. You can register your interest in taking part in an event by emailing: FireSafetyConsultation2019@gov.scot or calling: 0131 24 40896

Fire Safety Information for people who live in domestic high rise buildings – Example

Working smoke and heat alarms will protect your home and family from fire. These alarms can provide an early warning of a fire and allow you to make your escape – but only if they are working. You are more likely to die in a fire if you do not have working smoke and heat alarms.

Under new guidance from the Scottish Government (amendment to the Housing (Scotland) Act 1987), by February 2021 your property is required to have the following level of detection:

• at least one smoke alarm installed in the room most frequently used for general daytime living purposes,
• at least one smoke alarm in every circulation space on each storey, such as hallways and landings,
• at least one heat alarm installed in every kitchen,
• all alarms should be ceiling mounted, and all alarms should be interlinked.

You can prevent fire from happening by taking a few simple steps:

• don’t leave cooking unattended, and avoid leaving children in the kitchen alone with cooking on the hob
• be vigilant when cooking with oil -don’t overfill chip pans and never throw water on a chip pan fire
• take extra care when drinking alcohol -don’t cook, and if you feel sleepy don’t smoke in your chair, go outside
• make sure cigarettes are put out properly - use an ashtray - don’t smoke in bed
• don’t overload electrical sockets
• turn off appliances when not in use - don’t leave them on standby
• keep matches and lighters out of reach and sight of children
• avoid the use of candles - if you must use them, make sure candles are secured in a holder and away from materials that may catch fire, like curtains - children must never be left alone with lit candles

Keep safe and plan your escape

Your flat is in a building designed to be fire-resisting, the flat entry door has fire-resistance and is fitted with a self-closing device. It is important that the self-closer works correctly. A fire should not spread from one flat to another.

You need not leave your home if there is a fire elsewhere in the building. Though, if in doubt, get out.

Always leave your flat if it is affected by smoke or heat or if told to by the Fire Service.

Your stairway is designed to be safe for escape throughout the course of a fire. Always use the stairway to descend to ground level if escaping, do not use the lift.

If you are in a corridor, lift lobby or stairway and you notice a fire, leave the building immediately and, if safe to do so, alert other residents in the immediate vicinity on your way out (knock on their doors). And call the Fire Service on 999.

Do not put yourself at risk - do not return to your flat until it is safe to do so

Do not leave your belongings or rubbish in corridors, the lift lobby or the stairway

This could affect you and your neighbours if there was a fire.

Remember:

• test your smoke alarms and heat alarms once a week
• keep the exit route from your flat clear so you can escape in an emergency
• close doors at night, especially the doors to the lounge and kitchen to prevent fire spreading
• Plan your escape now - be prepared and don’t wait until it happens.

Part 1 Consultation Questions
Fire Safety Information for people who Live in High rise domestic buildings

Communication of Advice and Information

We are keen to ensure that people that live in high rise domestic buildings know that there is fire safety information available to them and can easily find it when they want it.

1. Please indicate from 1 to 5 what would be your most and least preferred way to get fire safety information.

1 Most Preferred – 5 Least Preferred	1	2	3	4	5
Printed Leaflet
Written Information on a Website
Video/Animation on a website
Notice Board/Poster in the building
Mobile device app

Other / please provide any comments in the box below.

The following questions are about the example of Fire Safety Information given earlier.

2. Does the fire safety information provide good advice on how to stop fires from happening?

Yes / No / In part

Please select only one answer and provide any comments in the box below.

3. Does the fire safety information provide good advice on what to do if a fire starts?

Yes / No / In part

Please select only one answer and provide any comments in the box below.

4. Does the fire safety information help you to understand the reasons behind fire safety advice?

Yes / No / In part

Please select only one answer and provide any comments in the box below.

5. Is the fire safety information easy to understand?

Yes / No / In part

Please select only one answer and provide any comments in the box below.

6. Does your high rise domestic building have a way people can raise concerns about fire safety?

Yes / (if yes go to Question 7) No / Don’t know

Please select only one answer and provide any comments in the box below.

If you answered No or Don’t Know to Question 6, please go to Question 8.

7. If you answered yes to Question 6; does the process work?

Yes / No / Don’t know

Please select only one answer and provide any comments in the box below.

8. Please let us know if you think there is any other useful fire safety advice and information that could be included for people who live in high rise domestic buildings.

9. Do you think more information on the ‘stay put’ policy (this is explained on page 5) would be helpful?

Yes / No / In part

Please select only one answer and provide any comments in the box below.

10. Please provide any further comments on the information and advice in this section of the consultation in the box below.