Know the Plan Campaign

Fire services are currently running campaigns to raise awareness of fire safety for tenants and landlords of flats, high-rise buildings, and Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMOs).

The fire services are emphasising the importance of having, and knowing, a fire escape plan, which they can help landlords create. They are also ensuring that people know what to do if there is a fire in their home, or elsewhere in the building, and who they can ask for advice.

Know the Plan Campaign

The London Fire Brigade launched the Know the Plan campaign last year, a 12-month plan aimed at guaranteeing landlords and housing providers follow fire safety regulations. They are also calling for those living in flats and maisonettes in purpose-built blocks to understand what to do if there is a fire.

The website, www.knowtheplan.co.uk, contains information, videos, and downloads for both tenants and landlords.

Ron Dobson, London Fire Commissioner, says: “Living in a flat is no more dangerous than living in a house, but it’s important to know that your fire plan should be different.”¹

Chairman of the London Fire and Emergency Planning Authority, James Cleverly, adds: “Landlords and housing providers with legal responsibilities for flats and maisonettes in purpose-built blocks need to act to ensure their residents are safe and understand what to do in a fire.”¹

Other services have also backed the campaign. South Yorkshire Fire & Rescue is ensuring their residents know the plan, and they are advising tenants to speak to their landlord about specific fire evacuation plans for their building.

The service said, in a statement: “They should be able to tell you if and when a fire risk assessment has been completed. If there hasn’t been a fire risk assessment, the responsible person is not fulfilling their legal duty. If this is the case, get in touch with your local fire safety regulation team.”¹

¹ http://www.landlordtoday.co.uk/news_features/Fire-services-spread-the-‘Know-The-Plan’-message