Fire safety

Range and Pennine are high rise buildings designed with only one emergency stairwell. Large scale evacuation of 200 people from these buildings would result in injury if everyone used the stairwell at the same time. This would also hinder the Fire Service’s response to the fire as they would have to deal with everyone leaving the building rather than fighting the fire.

Due to the design and fire resistant capabilities of these buildings a “Stay Put” procedure has been implemented by the Trust along with the Fire Service to allow a quick response to fires. This means that unless the fire is in your flat or you are in danger of smoke and fire it is better to remain in your flat.

If the fire service feel on arrival that evacuation is necessary they will arrange a simultaneous evacuation and you will be asked to leave your home by the fire service, this is a safer way to get people out of the building without injury.

REMEMBER: If you feel at risk you can leave the building at any time or if you are unable to leave your flat and concerned that you are at risk by smoke or fire you can call 999 and speak to the fire service. Your internal doors on your kitchen, lounge and bedrooms are also fire doors and when closed provide extra protection in your flat. Make sure you and your family know what to do in a fire and how to follow the procedures safely.

If at anytime you feel you are in danger of smoke or heat please evacuate the building.

What to do if the fire alarm sounds

• Alert everyone in your flat. 
• Before opening doors, check them with the back of your hand.  If they're warm, don't open them - the fire may be on the other side.
• Do not evacuate unless the fire is in your flat or you are directed to do so by the emergency service or Trust staff

If you are asked to evacuate

• Don't use the lift.
• If there's a lot of smoke, crawl along the floor where the air will be cleanest.
• If the fire is blocking your exit, or if the stairs in your block of flats are blocked by fire or smoke, stay calm and go back inside your flat and wait for the Fire and Rescue Service to arrive.

If the fire is outside your flat and your escape route is blocked

• Seal your front door with tape if you can, as well as cushions and bedding, to stop smoke getting in.
• Close any ventilators.
• Phone 999, giving your address and number of your flat.
• Get everyone into the safe room you have chosen.
• Open the window. If you feel in serious danger, wave a sheet out of the window so the fire fighters know where you are.

If the fire is inside your flat

• If your escape route from the flat is clear, evacuate closing doors behind you, then ring 999 and give your address and number of your flat.
• If your escape route is blocked.
• Get everyone into the safe room you have chosen.
• Put cushions, bedding and so on at the bottom of the door to stop smoke getting in.
• Phone 999, giving your address and the number of your flat.
• Open the window. If you feel in serious danger, wave a sheet out of the window so the fire fighters know where you are.

 

You can help us by keeping shared areas clear