Smoke alarms and fire safety

Fire safety in high-rise residential buildings

Living in a flat in a high-rise residential building does not make you more at risk from fire.

Built to be fire resistant

Our 14 high-rise residential buildings are built and designed with fire safety in mind.

The walls and doors between flats, stairs and corridors are designed to resist fire and stop smoke spreading.

All our high-rise buildings have lots of fire safety measures in place:

• interlinked smoke and heat detectors in each council flat
• 60-minute fire resistant doors
• fire alarms in every building
• bin store fire detection and suppression systems
• daily housekeeping checks by concierges and caretakers
• operational inspections four times a year by the Scottish Fire & Rescue Service
• testing of emergency lighting, dry risers and fire hydrants every year.

Fire alarms

There are fire alarms in all the communal areas, stairwells, lift and plant rooms of every building.

Fire escape plan

Plan what you should do if there’s a fire in your flat or in your building:

• know how to exit quickly, especially at night
• know who is responsible for getting the children
• know where your front door key is
• have a designated ‘safe room’ in case you cannot escape, choose a room with a phone and a window
• practice your fire escape plan regularly and ensure everyone in your flat knows what to do in an emergency.

What to do if there’s a fire

If there’s a fire in your flat

Smoke and heat alarms in your flat give early warning, giving you time to escape safely. You should:

• keep calm, make sure everyone in your home knows there’s a fire then get out quickly
• don't stop to collect belongings
• if there’s smoke, stay low and crawl on the floor
• close doors behind you to prevent the spread of smoke and fire
• don't go back or try to fight the fire
• always use the stairs to get out the building, don't use the lift
• if you can, activate the fire alarm in the break-glass unit on the landing
• once you’re out, stay out and keep a safe distance, phone 999 giving your full address including your flat number and floor.

What to do if you are trapped

In the unlikely event you are trapped by fire:

• everyone should go to your ‘safe room’ in your flat, if possible furthest away from the fire or smoke
• phone 999 as soon as possible and give your full address, including your flat number and floor
• fill any gaps around the door with towels or sheets to prevent smoke from entering
• stand by the open window and shout for help to let your neighbours and firefighters know you need rescued
• if it’s safe, gather on a balcony so people can see you.

If your front door becomes hot, do not open it. If you can, wet it down.

If the fire is not in your flat

If you see or smell smoke in your building, bin area or bin chute, you should:

• activate the nearest fire alarm call point or phone 999 and give the fire’s location
• stay put inside your flat – you'll be safer inside
• keep your front door closed and close all windows and doors
• fill any gaps around the door with towels or sheets to prevent smoke from entering
• do not block the fire doors on landings or stairwells as they are there to restrict smoke transfer
• go to an open window and wait for the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service to arrive.

Only leave your flat if you’re affected by the heat or smoke or if you are told to by firefighters or police.

Stay put policy

All our high-rise buildings follow the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service ‘stay put’ policy.

You can see important information for residents in high-rise buildings (Scottish Fire and Rescue Service).

Keeping your building safe

Help to keep you and your neighbours safe from fire by:

• keeping common areas, stairways, corridors and drying rooms clear of rubbish, furniture and combustible materials
• report any damage to fire safety measures immediately like lifts, alarm panels and fire doors
• do not prop open doors in common areas as these are fire-resistant and self-closing
• keep bin store and building doors secure to prevent unauthorised entry and reduce fire risk
• do not store or use gas cylinders, flammable liquids or fuels inside the building.

Emergency vehicle parking areas must be kept clear at all times so firefighters have quick access.

Charge scooters safely

Mobility scooters, e-bikes and other electrical transport can pose a serious fire risk.

Charge and store them safely to protect yourself and others:

• keep escape routes clear and reduce the risk of deliberate fires
• store them in a separate room with a smoke detector
• remove the battery when not in use
• do not use modified, damaged or uncertified batteries and chargers
• do not charge when sleeping
• do not store or charge them in common areas, bedrooms or escape routes.

Speak to your concierge or caretaker for advice and help.

Free fire safety checks

The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service offer free home fire safety visits.

You can arrange a visit:

• on the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service website
• phone 0800 0731 999
• text FIRE to 80800 on your mobile phone.

Your local fire station will arrange a time and date that suits you. During the visit, firefighters will check each room of your house with you, helping you make sure your house is safe.

You can get more practical fire safety advice for your home (Fire Scotland).