Handbook - Fire Safety

SURBITON COURT FLATS 1-69 HANDBOOK

Fire Safety

Background Information About Surbiton Court

Surbiton Court dates back to c 1928-30 and consequently does not have any of the communal safety features standard in new build property, such as centralised fire alarms or sprinkler systems. Ensuring safety of all residents in the event of fire will require neighbourly co-operation.

Surbiton Court comprises 68 flats structured around twelve independent stairwells/entrances over three storeys (ground, first, second floors).

Residents' Responsibilities

Statistically, most fires originate in flats rather than communal areas, therefore it is important that you take the following precautionary measures:

Ensure that smoke alarms are installed in your flat and regularly checked. Should you consider having a fire extinguisher, fire blanket and torch (in case the electricity supply is affected), know where they are located in the event of an emergency and know in advance how to use them. Under no circumstances, must you put life at risk to use these.
Ensure that all your gas appliances and electrical circuitry are maintained in sound working order and have been checked by a qualified professional.
Do not overload electrical sockets.
Ensure that appliances (in particular, washer/dryers) are not left running while you are out.
Unplug electrical appliances when not in use.
Ensure that combustible items are kept well away from sources of overheating and ignition.
Limit the spread of a possible fire by keeping internal doors closed, especially those which give access to a potential source of fire e.g. kitchen, airing cupboard, boiler cupboard.
Identify feasible alternative escape routes in advance e.g. via windows for ground floor flats.
Ensure that escape routes within your flat are kept clear in the event they are needed urgently.
Ensure the stairwells outside your flat are kept clear of all obstructions at all times.
Ensure that all other residents of your flat are aware of these responsibilities.
Any alterations or renovations to flats must conform to latest legislation concerning fire safety and must be submitted to the Board for approval before any such work is undertaken. This includes any substantial refurbishment to, or replacement of, the front door. For full details please refer to the Handbook (under Alterations & Renovations to Flats) or contact premises@surbitoncourt.com. (NB Residents should bear in mind that failure to obtain approval before starting any work may result in restorative or remedial work at your own expense, and may also cause delays should you subsequently decide to sell your flat).

IN THE EVENT OF A FIRE

Fire In Your Flat

Ensure everyone in the affected room(s) leaves it at once.
Close the door(s) behind you to delay the spread of smoke and fire.
Ensure that everyone in your home leaves the property.
When all are out of the flat close the front door.
Raise the alarm for neighbours by shouting FIRE ! As we do not have automatic alarms it is important that this is done by voice.
Move DOWNSTAIRS and outside quickly and calmly. Move to a safe area.
Dial 999 for the Fire Brigade if you have a phone or raise the alarm so that neighbours do so. Never assume that the Fire Brigade has been called.
Try and account for neighbours (but don't endanger your life in the process). If you know of someone who may need assistance (elderly, disabled, ill, or with young children) please bring it to the attention of the Fire Brigade.
Return to your flat ONLY when the Fire Brigade have given permission.

Fire In Your Stairwell But Not In Your Flat

If you see fire or smell smoke or hear someone shouting FIRE !, determine whether it is originating in your stairwell.
If you believe yourself to be trapped stay in your flat and alert the Fire Brigade to your situation. If necessary alert neighbours by shouting from windows but do not expose yourself to risk from fire or smoke. Keep the front door shut and seal any gaps around it with wet cloths to limit the ingress of smoke and fumes.
If the fire in your stairwell is above the level of your flat ensure that everybody leaves your flat if it is safe to do so. Close the door behind you and head DOWNSTAIRS and outside quickly and calmly. Move to a safe area.
If safe to do so, raise the alarm for other residents by shouting FIRE !
Ensure that the Fire Brigade is called. Never assume that it has been done.
Try to account for neighbours (but don't endanger your life in the process). If you know of someone who may need assistance (elderly, disabled, ill, or with young children) please bring it to the attention of the Fire Brigade.
Return to your flat ONLY when the Fire Brigade have given permission.

Fire NOT In Your Flat Or In Your Stairwell

Close all doors and windows.
Stay within your property.
Alert the Fire Brigade.

IF YOU HAVE ANY EXISTING CONCERNS ABOUT YOUR POSSIBLE SITUATION SHOULD A FIRE OCCUR PLEASE CONTACT q.health_safety@surbitoncourt.com