Portsmouth City Council takes fire very seriously.

Anyone living in a tower block managed by the council should:

  • let us know if you don’t have a hardwired fire alarm
  • always let us in to do routine gas and electricity maintenance
  • take care with lit cigarettes, candles and other naked flames

Download fire safety leaflets from Hampshire Fire & Rescue and the government.

Here are a few things to remember if you live in a block of flats or maisonette:

  • keep communal areas clear of clutter
  • don’t smoke in communal hallways or lifts, or put cigarettes out on the floor
  • don’t keep gas bottles or similar in your flat or in the block.

What to do if a fire starts in your flat?

  • phone 999 to report the fire
  • leave your property, closing all doors behind you
  • wait somewhere safe outside.

What to do if a fire starts in your neighbour's flat?

Stay in your home – this feels strange, but is the safest place, because if everyone left the block at the same time, it could spread the fire and cause overcrowding on stairwells

  • close all your windows and doors, and wait for the fire service to arrive
  • leave your home only if told to by the fire service, who may decide to evacuate the block in a safe, organised way.

Further fire safety advice

Contact the council’s fire safety advisor by phoning the switchboard on our contact page.