To help keep your home safe from fire:
- Fit a smoke alarm on each level of your home and test it weekly.
- Make sure smoke alarm batteries are changed annually (free service from Scottish Fire and Rescue).
- Don’t overload plug sockets.
- Ensure that cigarettes are properly put out.
- Familiarise yourself with kitchen fire procedures e.g. fires with oil or gas.
- Plan an escape route.
- Take care when using candles. Keep them away from flammable objects and don’t leave them unattended.
- Don’t be tempted to clutter stairs and corridors of your home or building. If fire breaks out, they may be your only escape route.
Fire safety in multi-storey flats
The walls, stairs, corridors and doors between flats are specially designed to resist fire and stop the spread of smoke.
Roads and other areas have been designed so that emergency vehicles can get as near to the flats as possible. Once you’re outside, find a safe place to call the fire brigade.
Remember that you should never use lifts in the event of a fire.
What to do if a fire breaks out in your home
- Alert any other people in your home.
- Leave the room at once and close the door. Don’t attempt to tackle the fire yourself.
- Leave the building. When everyone is out, close the front door. Don’t use balconies unless they are part of an official escape route.
- Call Scottish Fire and Rescue Service on 999.
- If fire breaks out elsewhere in your building it may be safe for you to stay in your own flat. However if your home is affected by heat or smoke, leave at once closing windows and doors behind you.
Get a free fire safety visit
Scottish Fire and Rescue Service offer everyone in Scotland a free home fire safety visit. They can also fit a smoke alarm free of charge.
You can get in touch in a number of ways:
- Visit www.firescotland.gov.uk.
- Freephone 0800 0731 999.
- Call your local fire station
Text “FIRE” to 80800 from your mobile phone.
For further information on Fire Safety visit: www.firescotland.gov.uk/your-safety/for-householders
