Dear Resident,
My name is Graham Hart, and I'm the Fire Safety Manager at South Essex Homes. Keeping you safe is our top priority, and with your help, we can make sure your building stays safe for everyone.
After the Grenfell Tower fire in 2017, it's natural to feel worried about living in a high-rise building. I want to reassure you that none of the 13 tower blocks owned by Southend-on-Sea City Council have cladding on the outside walls.
Here are some of the safety features in place:
- Every flat has a front door that protects against fire, heat, and smoke for 30 minutes.
- Communal areas have doors that protect for 60 minutes.
- Window restrictors are fitted to stop fire and smoke spreading between flats.
- Smoke vents open automatically in stairwells and lobbies to let smoke out.
- There's a dry riser system so the Fire Service can get water to any floor.
- Ground floor bin chute rooms have sprinklers.
Because of these safety measures, we follow a Stay Put, Stay Safe plan:
- If the fire is in your flat: Leave straight away, close the door (don't lock it), and call 999. Use the stairs to exit the building.
- If the fire is not in your flat and you feel safe: Stay inside and keep alert. A small amount of smoke around your door is normal and safe.
- If you feel unsafe or are told to leave by the Fire Service: Use the stairs to exit the building.
- Do not go back inside until the Fire Service or South Essex Homes staff say it's safe.
If you think you might need help during an emergency, please let me know. We'll keep your details in a secure box on the ground floor, which only South Essex Homes staff and the Fire Service can access. This helps us create a Personal Emergency Evacuation Plan (PEEP) that's right for you.
Here's the Personal Emergency Evacuation Plan (PEEP) for residents who live in a high-rise building
If there's a fire in your flat:
- Stay calm.
- Leave if you can, closing the door behind you (don't lock it).
- Use the stairs-never use the lift.
- If you can't use the stairs, go to the stairwell. It's a safe area with at least 2 hours of protection. Wait for help.
- If you can't leave your flat, move away from the fire, close the door, go to a window, call 999, and follow instructions.
If there's a fire elsewhere in the building:
- Stay in your flat if it's safe and keep alert.
- If you can't use the stairs, go to the stairwell and wait for help. Do not use the lift.
If you are deaf or have hearing difficulties, Essex County Fire & Rescue Service can give you free sensory equipment. I'll need to visit you to get your written permission to share your details with them.
We also strongly advise not to smoke in bed. If this is a concern, the Fire Service can visit and may offer free fire-resistant bedding.
You'll find regular fire safety updates in the Insight magazine, delivered every three months.
Thank you for reading and for helping us keep your building safe. If you have any questions, please contact me at grahamhart@seh.southend.gov.uk.
Best wishes,
Graham Hart
Fire Safety Manager
South Essex Homes
