Emergencies & Rare Events

If fire breaks out in your apartment:

1. Inform others present. If possible close doors and windows, to contain the fire, and exit the apartment. DO NOT attempt to tackle the fire. Apartment residents should exit in an orderly fashion, via the nearest designated escape route, to a safe place. Any disabled or elderly persons in the apartment may need help to escape.

2. Residents should then ensure everybody is accounted for and call Fire Services (999). Give the operator the number you are calling from and full address. DO NOT replace the receiver until the Operator repeats the address back to you. DO NOT re-enter the property

3. IF YOU ARE CUT OFF BY FIRE remain calm. Close doors between you and the fire and block any gaps (use sheets, towels etc). This will help stop smoke from entering the room. If possible, shout for help from a window.

4. If smoke enters the room, get down on the floor to breathe easier. If you are in immediate danger, and are no higher than the first floor, it may be possible to drop to the ground.

5. Get out of the window feet first and lower yourself as far as possible before dropping. Soft furnishings dropped first from the window may break your fall.

For leaks and water emergencies see this page for stopcock locations.

The Shipgate has a supply of de-icer or salt. In bad weather it's used on the courtyard and stairs. All residents can undertake this job. 

So that everyone knows where this is kept, it is in the bin cupboard for number 8, kindly allowed for this purpose by the resident.

We advise leaving a spare key with a neighbour or in a key safe, especially if this is a second home or you or you are away a lot.

Firstly, nobody likes being locked out if they lose a key. Secondly, it allows emergency access with your prior permission, or a phonecall if possible. This may be due to leaking water, gas leaks, fires or other such emergencies that endanger other residents. This saves calling the police and potentially having to damage your door.