Latest fire safety advice from the BEO

Latest fire safety advice from the BEO:
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Following the tragic fire at Grenfell Tower in West London in the early hours of Wednesday morning, our thoughts are with the people caught up in this terrible tragedy.

Naturally, residents in our blocks of flats will be concerned as to whether something like this could happen to them.

The cause of the fire is being investigated and, although there is some speculation, it is likely to be some time before the actual cause of the fire is known.

In response to the concerns of our residents, we would like to reassure you that we do everything that we can to ensure, as far as possible, that our residents remain safe in their homes. With particular regard to the risk of fire, we undertake and implement a number of pro-active improvement measures including:

• Recently completed new Fire Risk Assessments compiled by an external contractor on all of our blocks
• Carrying out regular reviews of Fire Risk Assessments to ensure they remain valid and 'fit for purpose'
• Carrying out annual inspections of all the balconies to ensure that the fire escape routes are clear
• Carrying out regular inspections of fire doors and other fire safety measures
• Carry out regular estate inspections to ensure that any potential fire and other safety hazards are identified and removed
• Giving our estate staff ongoing training on fire risk management;

If you have any immediate concerns about possible hazards on your estate, please report these to your House Officer straight away.

We will clearly continue to monitor progress with the investigation into the Grenfell Tower fire to understand the cause of the fire and any implications this may have for us in relation to the safety and integrity of our own homes.

With regard to the Barbican Estate, the advice from the Fire Brigade is as follows:-

The Barbican has been built to protect you in the event of a fire, so do not automatically assume you must leave your flat. The emergency services will decide whether the building needs to be evacuated. If it does, use your front door and stairs unless the fire/smoke prevents this, in which case use your balcony.

Basic advice

Familiarise yourself with the escape route from your flat before an emergency. For most flats this is using a staircase (NEVER A LIFT) or your balcony.

Keep all emergency access routes clear: your life or those of your family or neighbours could be endangered if you do not. Large plants or furniture should not be stored on balconies for this reason.

If the fire is in your flat:

• Do not stay to fight a fire unless you can extinguish it immediately. 
• Evacuate everyone in the flat. 
• Close all doors behind you. 
• Call the Fire Brigade. 
• Call your Lobby Porter/Car Park Concierge. 

If you detect a fire in another part of your building:

• Stay in your home unless evacuated by emergency services. 
• Call the Fire Brigade, do not tackle the fire yourself. 
• Close all doors and windows to restrict the spread of smoke. 
• If you become affected by the heat or smoke, leave the flat, as described above. 

There have been very few fires on the Barbican Estate. Most have started in kitchens so residents may wish to keep a kitchen extinguisher or fire blanket nearby.

The London Fire Brigade will carry out a fire safety check.

http://www.london-fire.gov.uk/HomeFireSafetyVisit.asp

If in doubt, ask us.

General advice for fire prevention

• It is worthwhile investing in a smoke alarm. The battery should be renewed each year to ensure the alarm is working effectively. 
• Avoid calor gas, paraffin or electric bar fires wherever possible. Instead use plug in radiators with safety electric plugs. 
• Do not block access points in your flat or the communal areas of your block. 
• Do not use rooms for storage or as workshops. 
• Do not overload electrical sockets, cover convector heaters or leave lit candles and heaters close to curtains and furniture. 
• Ensure electrical equipment is regularly serviced. 
• Do not throw cigarette ends off your balcony. 
• Do not prop open fire doors.