Please note, this document is in draft form and will be added to as we make arrangements for the new regime.

KEEPING YOUR FLAT SAFE

FIRE SAFETY IN YOUR FLAT AT KINGSWAY COURT

Fit smoke alarms and test them monthly

A fire can start anywhere in the home so early detection is vital.

• Fit smoke alarms in all rooms such as the lounge and bedrooms
• Include hallways but not kitchens and bathrooms because steam can cause false alarms.
• Fit a heat alarm in your kitchen which can detect the increase in temperature caused by a fire but will not be set off by cooking fumes or steam.
• All smoke and heat alarms should be interlinked, so that, when one detects fire, all devices sound the alarm.
• Your sounders in Kingsway Court are linked to the Common Fire Alarm.This will sound in all flats if there is an emergency in your flat

Fire risks exist in rooms where:

• Electrical equipment is left switched on or on charge.
• People smoke.
• Candles, incense sticks or naked flames are used.
• Portable heaters are used.

Smoking

The best and safest option is not to smoke, but if you are not ready to quit:

• Never smoke in bed or anywhere you could fall asleep.
• Never throw cigarettes out of your window or balcony, make sure you put them right out.
• Do not leave any type of lit cigarette or pipe unattended.
• Use proper ashtrays and never throw hot ash into the bin.

Candles and matches

Candles, tea lights and incense burners should only be placed in stable, heat-resistant holders and should not be left unattended. They should be kept well away from curtains, furniture and clothes.

• Keep matches and lighters well out of reach of children.

Heating and electrics

• Sit at least one metre away from heaters.
• Never put a heater near curtains, furniture or clothes.

PERSONAL EMERGENCY EVACUATION PLANS. (PEEP)

Kingsway Court has Premises Information Boxes ( PIB) in the Halls on the East and West side of the block.

The PIB is a secure box which the fire service can access. The box has all the information about Kingsway Court needed by the Fire Service to find their way around the building.

If you have told us you will need assitance in the event of an emergency this information will be in the PIB.

This is how the information will be collected:

• We will ask you every four months to let us know if you or anybody staying with you will need assistance in an emergency
• If you let us know you will need asisstance we will send you an on-line and hard copy PEEP form to complete
• The form which will detail your needs will be placed in the PIB and sent electronically to the Fire Service for their reference.
• Please also update your PEEP at any time by asking the office for a new form and requesting your details are updated. You can contact the office on line, by phone, via the porters, or via our agents Stuart Radley Associates
• Please ask in the Kingsway Court Office for a form to complete if there is a change in your circumstances.
  • For example you are recovering from illness or have a guest who might need help.
• If the PEEP is no longer needed please ask for it to be removed from the box, and deleted electronically from Fire Service records

KINGSWAY COURT FIRE ALARMS

The Fire alarm panel in the East wing of the Block is tested every Wednesday morning by Kingsway Court Porters

In the event of an emergency the alarm is connected to the Fire Service and will call the Fire Service automatically

If the fire alarm sounds between midnight and 7am the front doors will release to allow the fire service entry.

WHAT TO DO IF FIRE OR SMOKE PREVENTS YOU LEAVING YOUR HOME

• Try to remain calm.
• The alarm in your flat is connected to the communal alarm which calls the Fire Service.
• Find a safe room away from the fire, ideally one with a window that opens.
• Close the door and put bedding, towels or any soft materials around the bottom of the door to block the smoke.
• open the window and shout "HELP, FIRE".
• If your flat is above first floor level, you should not try to escape via a window.

WHAT TO DO IF THERE IS A FIRE IN ANOTHER PART OF THE BUILDING?

Blocks of flats are built to give you some protection from fire. Walls, floors and doors are designed to hold back smoke and flames to prevent spread of fire. If you are in your flat, then you are usually safer staying there unless heat or smoke is affecting you.

• If you are within the common parts of the building, leave the building. Do not return to your flat
• If you are already within your flat, it will usually be safe for you to remain there. STAY PUT
• You must leave IMMEDIATELY if smoke or heat affects your home, or if you are told to do so by the fire and rescue service.
• If you are in any doubt, get out, but always leave IMMEDIATELY if fire alarm sounders within your flat operate.

TO CALL THE FIRE SERVICE:

• Call the fire sevice if you do not hear the communal alarm sound.Dial 999
• When the operator answers, give your telephone number and ask for FIRE.

FIRE EVACUATION PROCEDURE

Kingsway Court uses a STAY PUT fire policy:

IF A SMOKE OR HEAT ALARMS SOUNDS WITHIN YOUR HOME

• Never assume that it is a false alarm.
• Investigate immediately, while making sure that the alarm has roused any other occupants who are asleep.
• Only silence the alarm if you are certain that it is a false alarm.
• If you discover smoke or fire, follow the procedure below, which applies on ANY occasion that you discover smoke or fire.

WHAT TO DO IF YOU DISCOVER SMOKE OR FIRE INSIDE YOUR HOME?

• Leave the room where the fire is straight away, then close the door.
• Tell everyone in your home and get them to leave. Close the front door of your flat behind you.
• If there is smoke, keep low where the air is clearer.
• Do not stay behind to put the fire out.
• Do not use any lift
• Do not use a balcony unless it is part of the escape routes from Kingsway Court
• Call the fire and rescue service if you do not hear the communal fire alarm sound (even if it only seems a small fire).
• WAIT OUTSIDE, AWAY FROM THE BUILDING.