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Be prepared for an emergency
Having a plan to escape a fire can make all the difference.
It is difficult to think clearly in an emergency. Working smoke alarms will warn you of a fire, but you should also make a fire escape plan. Preparing and practising an escape plan will mean you and your family know what to do.
Step 1: Make a plan and practice it
- Involve everyone who lives in your home, including lodgers.
- Plan routes for each person out of the house and alternatives in case that route is blocked. Also plan where to go if all exits are blocked.
- Your usual way in and out of your home is the best escape route but keep all exits clear of obstructions.
- If there are children, older or disabled people or pets, plan how you will get them out.
- If you live in a flat, remember the lift will be out of action if there is a fire. Choose an escape route that does not require one. Regularly check that you can open the fire and security doors.
- Leave your address by the phone so that children can read it out to the emergency services if needed.
- Make sure everyone knows where the keys for doors and windows are kept.
- Make sure everyone understands what to do it by practising and reviewing the plan regularly.
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Count how many doors there on the route to get to the stairs in case you can't find your way.
Plan where to go if you can’t get out
- Get everyone into one room and close the door.
- Put cushions, towels or bedding at the bottom of the door to block smoke.
- If the fire is directly outside your door, seal it with tape if you can.
- If you can, wet the door down.
- Open the window for fresh air.
- Call 999 if you can, or get someone else to make the call. Shout or wave something out of the window to get attention.
- If you are on the ground floor or, in some circumstances, the first floor, you may be able to escape through the window. Do not jump from higher windows.
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Remember - Get out. Stay out. Call 999.