Following the tragic fire in a block of flats in Camberwell, SHTA has some useful advice for residents in Somerton House.

If there is a fire, dial 999 and ask for the Fire Brigade. Leave the building immediately. Do not use the lift.

There are two fire exits, one at each end of the building. If you can’t use your nearest fire exit, make your way to the other fire exit.

Do not use the lift. Lift shafts behave as a chimney, and can become smoke-filled. If you are trapped return to your home and dial 999 to make your presence known to the emergency services.

The best way to get away from the fire will be to the ground floor. The Fire Brigade will check the emergency staircases as far as they can. Being below the fire is important. Every fire is different, make sure that you have planned more than one way out of the building.

The fire meeting point for anyone in Somerton House is by the Church gate opposite the entrance.

SHTA Continues to attempt to bring the fire safety of Somerton House to the attention of Camden Council, as it has since 2006. Please write to or contact our Camden ward Councillors – details on the notice board – to help voice your concerns over the lack of fire protection to our risers – whcih would act as chimneys in the event of a fire – just as the lift shaft would.