We have a number of fire prevention measures in place within our buildings.

Our fire safety team carry out a planned programme of regular visits and review our policies and procedures to ensure our buildings remain safe.

Read about Cabinet responsibilities for fire safety:

There are things you can also do to prevent fires and keep your home, your neighbour's homes and your community safe.

Read about preventing fire in your council home.

Evacuation advice for your building

It's important you know the evacuation plan for your building.

All council tenants get a copy of the fire evacuation plan for their new home. This tells you what to do if there's a fire in your home or other part of the building. If you have any questions, you should contact your tenancy services officer.

Fire action notices can be found on the ground floor of our buildings and next to lifts in buildings that have them. These notices tell you what to do in the event of a fire.

Living in a block of flats

In accordance with national guidance, all council managed purpose-built blocks of flats operate a defend in place strategy, commonly referred to as the 'stay put' policy. This means residents not in an area directly impacted by the fire should stay inside their flat with doors and windows shut.  

If anything changes regarding this policy, we will tell you in writing.

Living in a house converted to flats

If you live in a flat conversion or a converted street property, you will have a different fire evacuation to those living in a block of flats.  

If there's a fire in your home or another part of the building, all residents must leave immediately.

Living in sheltered or supported accommodation for older people

If you live in older persons' accommodation, there's a mixed evacuation. This means that if you're in a communal part of the building, for example, a lounge or launderette, you must evacuate the building immediately.  

If you're in your flat, you must stay there if you're not directly affected by the fire. London Fire Brigade will tell you if you need to leave your flat.

Person centred risk assessments - supporting residents to live in their homes

If you or someone in your household finds it difficult to leave your home in an emergency or you're concerned about a vulnerable neighbour, you should contact your tenancy services officer and request a 'person centred risk assessment'.

We'll arrange to visit you at home to talk about your concerns.

With your consent, we'll share your risk assessment with the London Fire Brigade. They may arrange a home fire safety visit to talk about extra steps you can take to stay safe in your home.

If you have specific concerns about your building, contact fire-safety@royalgreenwich.gov.uk