Moat | Fire evacuation strategy

In the event of a fire

We work with you to keep your homes and building safe but it’s important to be prepared in case a fire does break out.

Knowing your building’s evacuation plan and your fire escape routes is an important first step. We consult with the fire services before deciding what is appropriate for your building. In some buildings, it is safer to evacuate while in others, it is safer to stay in your home (known as a ‘stay put policy’). You’ll find a Fire Action Plan on the wall when you enter your building. This will let you know whether to stay put or evacuate and where your fire escapes are, so please take five minutes to read it carefully and refresh your memory from time to time.

If you live in a 'stay-put' building
If the fire isn't in your own flat and your flat is not affected by smoke from a fire elsewhere in the building, you’re usually safer staying in your flat with the doors and windows closed. This is because the building and each flat are designed to provide fire protection. When you stay put, you reduce the risk of entering a smoky corridor unnecessarily and potentially being overcome by smoke. Staying put also means firefighters can tackle the fire safely and quickly without being delayed by residents evacuating down the stairways.
- If a fire starts in your apartment, alert others who may be in the apartment with you and make your way out of the building, closing your front door behind you. Call the Fire and Rescue Service when you’re safely outside the building on 999 or 112.
- If you are in a communal area when you become aware of a fire, you should evacuate the building immediately. Call the Fire and Rescue Service when safely outside the building on 999 or 112.
- If you are not directly affected by the fire, you can remain in your home unless you’re told to leave by the Fire and Rescue Service. This advice does not stop you leaving the building if you wish to do so, nor does it stop you from alerting your neighbours to fires so that they can also leave.
Important: if your flat is affected by fire, heat or smoke, leave immediately, closing the door behind you. Do not use the lift to leave the building, even if it is working. Once you’re safely outside, phone 999 for the Fire and Rescue Service.
If you live in a 'total evacuation' building
There are apartment blocks that do not - or cannot - follow the ‘stay-put’ policy, such as converted properties. In these cases, a total evacuation policy will be in place. This means that when a fire occurs or the fire alarm sounds, all occupants should evacuate the building. If you’re made aware of a fire, please take the following steps:
- Leave the building, closing all doors behind you
- Do not use the lift, even if it is working
- Do not return to the building for any reason until authorised by the Fire and Rescue Service to do so
- Call the Fire and Rescue Service on 999 or 112 once you’re safely outside the building
- If possible, once you’re out of the property and the emergency services have been notified, phone our Customer Service team on 0300 323 0011.

Important practices to follow

We regularly inspect communal areas to make sure they’re clear. Leaving strollers, shoes, plants and belongings in communal areas can speed up the spread of fire, block your escape route, or block access routes for firefighters in the event of a fire. If you need to dispose of unwanted bulky items, such as furniture, please arrange your own collection or disposal. If you need advice on clearance of bulk items, you can also call us on 0300 323 0011.

Keep all fire doors closed, especially those in communal areas, as they help to slow down the spread of fire. If you lock your doors at night, keep your keys somewhere safe where everyone in your household can find them in case you need to get out quickly.

Don’t forget to check and maintain your smoke alarms weekly by pressing the test button. If a smoke alarm doesn’t make a sound when you test it, please call us on 0300 323 0011 to let us know.