Hi,

I’m in a high rise building 34m with 15 floors, occupied flats with inset balconies. We have a Stay Put policy.

Our balconies need cladding remediation for flammable floors and soffits (12 months in, no progress). Our external wall cladding has a open cavity not filled by insulation and our flats ventilate into the cladding. These last two issues are not being remediated.

The Fire Risk Assessments confirm Stay Put relying on AOVs and a flat sprinkler system (>30m flow). Though an interim safety measure has been dropped by our managing agent and also removed from our latest FRA (it was an Evacuation Alert System).

I have a balcony. Should I “stay put” if there is a fire on a balcony below me or near me? We have one fire exit staircase.

Any human advice welcome. AI generally panics me.

'Stay put' is a shorthand reference - what it mean is that unless you are directly affected by fire or smoke you should be safe to remain in the building due to it's construction & safety. It doesn't mean you must stay put either. If you are aware of a fire in the building call the fire service and if you wish to you can evacuate.

Due to the size of the building there should be by law a resident engagement process where you can raise concerns and receive suitable updates on safety in the building. If you have serious concerns about safety not being addressed through the engagement process you may need to consult the fire service & the Building Safety Regulator