All high rise buildings follow a strict fire inspection regime which ensures that we are able to respond quickly and efficiently to any fire in a high rise building.

• All buildings are constructed to building regulations current at the time of construction.
• All buildings will continue to comply with those regulations if run effectively and managed properly.
• Changes to the construction and fabric of a building must only be done with the relevant authorisations; this is to prevent any negative affect on the ‘as built standards’, including fire precautions, within the building.
• Any damage found in common areas of flats / maisonettes must be reported to the owner / landlord.
• Storage of combustible materials / refuse / rubbish in common areas of flats / maisonettes must not occur.
• Illegal storage and / or garaging of motor bikes / mopeds / fuels etc. must be reported to the owner / landlord.
• All common areas and stairs of flats / maisonettes must remain unobstructed at all times. Obstructions must be reported to the owner / landlord.
• Wedging open of front doors from flats / maisonettes that open onto common areas is a dangerous practice and must not occur. Fire doors in common areas must remain closed.
• All landlords (private or public) must carry out periodic Health and Safety and Fire Safety Risk Assessments and prioritise and rectify any detrimental defects found.

Advice Regarding Fire Precautions

• Be aware of the buildings fire precautions / procedures in the event of fire.
• Formulate a fire escape plan. Inform all members of the household and practise the plan.
• Carry out basic “fire safety checks” regularly. As a guide you may wish to use the following -
• Do not wedge open front doors to flats / maisonettes that open onto communal / common circulation areas.
• Close all internal doors last thing at night (especially doors to kitchens and living rooms).
• Unplug unnecessary electrical items at night.
• No smoking in bed.
• Careful use of candles.
• Keep aerosols off window cills and out of direct sunlight / heat sources.
• Use thermostatically controlled deep fat fryers instead of open chip pans.
• Access to a working phone.
• Have working smoke alarm / alarms in the household which should be tested as per manufacturers' instructions.
• Consider extra fire precautions for any disabled member of the household.
• If you have to leave the building, use the staircase. Never use the lift.


In case of a fire elsewhere in your building, you should also find out from your building owner or landlord whether the fire precautions within the building as a whole support “a stay put in your own flat policy” .

For a free Home Safety Check call 0114 253 2314, or text FREE to 87023, or e-mail: cfsadmin@syfire.gov.uk