Evacuation plan for flats

What to do in the event of a fire or emergency

You will find a fire action notice explaining the evacuation plan in the communal areas of your building. 

The evacuation plan may advise you to stay put or to leave the building.

If the advice for your building is to stay put

If there is a fire elsewhere in the building, purpose-built blocks of flats and maisonettes are built to give you some protection from fire. They can hold back flames and smoke for 30 to 60 minutes.

  • Close your windows and doors and stay in your flat or maisonette
  • Call 999. Tell the fire brigade where you are in the building and the best way to reach you
  • The control officers will provide you with guidance until firefighters arrive at the scene
  • Once firefighters arrive, be prepared to follow their instructions
  • If you are directly affected by fire, smoke or heat, alert everyone, leave the building and follow the advice below to evacuate.

If the advice for your building is to evacuate

  • Leave your flat or maisonette and close the doors behind you
  • Move as quickly and as safely as you can, don’t stop to investigate or pick up valuables
  • Use the stairs to make your way out of the building. Do not use the lift
  • Call 999 as soon as you are safe to do so. Do not assume someone else has made the call
  • Wait for the fire brigade at the designated safe area.

Unable to find a fire action notice

If you cannot find a fire action notice, or are unsure about the correct plan, please call our Fire and Building Safety team on 020 8726 6101.

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