Lincolnshire Fire and Rescue is reassuring local people about its prevention and response arrangements for high-rise buildings, following the fire at Grenfell Tower in London on Monday 14 June 2017.
Chief Fire Officer Nick Borrill of Lincolnshire Fire and Rescue said that incidents like Grenfell Tower were fortunately "extremely rare", but the service has drawn up advice for those living in high-rise tower blocks.
"There are a number of high-rise buildings across the county - and we would recommend people who live in those buildings know exactly what to do in the event of a fire, so that they can protect themselves and their families.
"This is particularly important for the more vulnerable members of our communities - such as the elderly, young people, or those with mobility issues."
Advice for people living in high-rise accommodation includes making sure you have a working smoke alarm and familiarising yourself with the Fire Procedures - if you do not know these, ask your landlord.
The fire service also recommends residents make an escape plan so that they and their families are fully prepared if there is a fire in their flat - and others in the home should be advised of what the escape plan is, where the door key is, as well a practising what they would do if they had a real fire.
High-rise tower residents should also make sure that exits are kept clear of obstructions - and doors to stairways are not damaged or faulty.
In the event of fire, the fire service advises using the stairs, not the lift, when leaving the building - and never assume that someone else has called 999, so make sure neighbours know about the fire and knock on their doors on your way out of the building.
Chief Fire Officer Nick Borrill added:
"Our thoughts and sympathies go out to all those who have been affected by this terrible tragedy - our thoughts are also with London Fire Brigade and all emergency services who responded to this very difficult incident.
"At this stage, we do not yet know what caused the fire and will need to wait until a full investigation has been carried out.
"We would like to reassure everybody that Lincolnshire Fire and Rescue carries out regular inspections of high-rise buildings in the county - and that our crews regularly carry out training at these locations to test our response plans.
"If residents have any fire safety concerns about high-rise buildings, please contact us on 01522 582222 or via email communications@lincoln.fire-uk.org."
Duncan Lewis Personal Injury Solicitors
Duncan Lewis Personal Injury Solicitors can advise those who have suffered serious injuries caused by negligence on how to make a no win no fee claim for compensation, including claims involving:
In the case of criminal injuries, claims can be made under the Criminal Injuries Compensation Scheme and/or via the civil court on a no win no fee basis.
Duncan Lewis can also advise on catastrophic injury claims, rehabilitation and access to welfare benefits or adaptations to the home - and also offers supportive legal advice to bereaved families whose loved one has died as a result of serious injuries caused by negligence and who wish to claim compensation.
For expert legal advice on no win no fee Serious Injury Claims, call Duncan Lewis personal injury solicitors on 0333 772 0409.