12 May 2008 - Be Stair Aware
Lothian and Borders Fire and Rescue Service are targeting residents who live in flats and other properties with communal stairs.
Following a number of serious incidents in communal stairways in the area, the “Stair Aware” campaign aims to reduce the dangers and educate residents on what to do if there is a fire in their stairwell or in another flat within their stair.
Working with Community Safety Partnerships, the campaign will pursue letting agents, community groups and residents with advice on fire safety, to prevent fires starting, and protect residents if they do happen.
Mike Bridgman, Convener of the Lothian and Borders Fire and Rescue Service Board said, “The Community Firefighters and their colleagues on watches do an excellent job to promote fire safety, prevent incidents happening and rescue residents from incidents.
“However it has become apparent that many residents within these properties would benefit from guidance, and we hope this campaign will reach these residents and save lives if the worst happens.”
Kenneth McKim, Head of Community Safety for the Service added, “Our aim is to offer some simple advice on what to do should a fire occur within a common stair or in another flat. Familiarity with our Action Plan should ensure the safety of everyone in your flat until help arrives.
“On many occasions it is far safer to remain inside your flat with the door closed. Dial 999 ask for “FIRE” and give as much information as you can. Get everyone together in the same room, preferably to the front of the building and, if possible, open a window. When the Fire service arrive let them know how many people are in your flat and if you are safe. This will greatly assist them in dealing with the incident.”
“One of the worst case scenarios would be an old three-piece suit dumped at the bottom of a stair. This type of pre-fire retardant furniture is extremely dangerous when involved in fire and gives off thick, black, toxic fumes, which would fill a common stair in seconds with potentially deadly consequences. When LBFRS are alerted to situations such as this an agreement with the City of Edinburgh council enables rapid uplift of the dangerous articles.”
It is an offence under the Civic Government (Scotland) Act to store combustible materials within a common stair. If you are concerned about materials stored in your stair, please phone 0800 169 0320.
Stair security is also an important area to consider in order to prevent fires within a common stair. Always ensure your main door is closed preferably using a door entry system.
If you would like more information or a copy of the action plan, visit the Service’s website at www.lbfire.org.uk or contact Community Safety on 0800 169 0320. You can also arrange a home safety check carried out by local Firefighters. This is a free service which includes the fitting of a ten – year smoke alarm if required.
Enquiries: Aileen Hope, Lothian and Borders Fire and Rescue Service
Tel. 0131 228 2401
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