STAY PUT OR EVACUATE

[Guest MARISA]

Can anyone advise please, in the event of a fire, should tenants living in a block of apartments (26 apartments over 6 floors) evacuate or stay put?  We have been told originally to stay put until the fire service advise evacuation but am I now concerned that this is not the recommended action to take. 

thank you 

[AnthonyB]

For the vast majority of purpose built flats the official advice remains stay put unless affected by fire or smoke. There should be a fire risk assessment for the block which will advise on the required evacuation policy for your building, check with the communal areas management company.

[Tom Sutton]

Originally you were advised incorrectly check out Fire safety in purpose-built blocks of flats

19.1  A ‘stay put’ policy involves the following approach.

• When a fire occurs within a flat, the occupants alert others in the flat, make their way out of the building and summon the fire and rescue service.

• If a fire starts in the common parts, anyone in these areas makes their way out of the building and summons the fire and rescue service.

• All other residents not directly affected by the fire would be expected to ‘stay put’ and remain in their flat unless directed to leave by the fire and rescue service.

19.2 It is not implied that those not directly involved who wish to leave the building should be prevented from doing so. Nor does this preclude those evacuating a flat that is on fire from alerting their neighbours so that they can also escape if they feel threatened.