Fire safety - do you know the drill?
Mary-Anne Bowring 21/06/2019
1063
Fire safety - do you know the drill?
A devastating fire ravaged a block of flats in Barking at the beginning of June. While no lives were lost, the rapid spread of the flames posed a severe risk to residents, compounded by reports that fire alarms failed to sound.
1. The Importance of Regular Fire Safety Inspections
Fire safety systems must be routinely inspected and tested. Unless a "stay put" policy is active, residents should evacuate immediately upon hearing an alarm. Fire risk specialists Lawrence Webster Forrest (LWF) emphasize that complacency in evacuation protocols can have dire consequences.
2. Why Delayed Evacuation Puts Lives at Risk
Studies cited by LWF reveal a troubling trend: residents often dismiss alarms as tests or false alerts, delaying evacuation. This hesitation is dangerously misguided, as indoor fires escalate far faster than outdoor fires, creating life-threatening conditions within minutes.
3. Training Residents: A Non-Negotiable Safety Measure
Fire safety training in residential blocks is as critical as equipment inspections. Residents must understand:
How to locate and navigate rarely used escape routes.
How to operate fire door exit mechanisms (practical demonstrations are key).
Why lifts must never be used during alarms.
4. Evacuation Plans for Vulnerable Individuals
Property managers must ensure clear protocols for evacuating disabled or vulnerable residents. Identifying who is responsible for assisting specific individuals can mean the difference between a safe evacuation and tragedy.
5. Property Managers: Leading Proactive Fire Preparedness
It falls to property managers to educate residents, conduct drills, and clarify evacuation procedures. If plans are unclear, leaseholders and tenants must demand clarity—never assume safety is guaranteed.
6. Lessons from the Barking Fire: Act Now, Not Later
This incident underscores the urgent need for accountability. Regular drills, updated safety checks, and resident engagement are not optional—they are lifelines.
Final Thoughts
Fire safety is a shared responsibility. Managers must enforce rigorous standards, while residents must actively participate in preparedness. Ignorance isn’t just risky—it’s potentially deadly.
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