LONDON, United Kingdom (Reuters) – Residents living near the burned Grenfell Tower in London called for a safer living environment on Thursday.
There are three 20-story buildings near the burned Grenfell Tower. Residents in these buildings are in panic and worrying about the security as there is only one stairway and no fire alarms.
“Because our block is going to get regenerated very very soon. If they do that, then we’re going to end up just like Grenfell Tower. Instead of wasting money on sort of making us look pretty, make us safe. No, there’s no fire alarms, as far as fire alarms, there isn’t. I’ve just been told, because I have people that live there, Moroccan people and people that I know. The majority of the national people I know, they all lost their lives,” said a resident living near Grenfell Tower.
The woman has lived in the building for 19 years. She has never heard fire alarms. In this 20-story building, four households on each floor share two elevators and one stairway.
Fire action notices in the tower said “There is a stay put policy for residents unless the fire is in or affecting your flat.”
The line was crossed out by residents, as the recent fire showed them that it is not a safer method.
“If I hear it, I wouldn’t stay in. If you stay in, you will get trapped, just like those people who stayed in,” said a resident.
Residents living in the community are questioning the regeneration of these old buildings. They hoped that investments in rebuilding the community will provide them with safer homes.
In the community, walls are posted with blessings and notices for missing persons. Volunteers are gathered at the community center to sort the supplies donated by caring people.