Be prepared.
Make sure you can escape in the event of fire.
Plan your escape
Fire kills quickly. Smoke and toxic gases can overcome you in minutes, and fire can spread faster than you think. Having a clear escape plan and knowing what to do in an emergency could save your life and the lives of your family.
In a fire, get out, stay out, call 999.
Why you need an escape plan
In a fire, you may have little time to escape. Smoke, heat and panic can be overwhelming. A practiced escape plan means everyone in your household knows exactly what to do, even in the dark or when scared.
Don’t wait until it’s too late. Plan your escape today.
Creating your escape plan
Identify escape routes
Walk through your home and plan the quickest way out of each room. Identify two ways out where possible- the best route is the normal way in and out of your home, but think of a second route in case the first is blocked. Make sure everyone knows these routes.
Keep exits clear
Don’t let clutter, furniture or belongings block doors, hallways or windows. In an emergency, every second counts. You need clear, quick access to all exits.
Keep keys accessible
Keep door and window keys in a safe but accessible place near the exit they fit. Never leave keys in locks where they could fall out or be hard to find in the dark. Make sure everyone knows where they are.
Choose a meeting point
Agree on a safe meeting place outside your home, such as a front garden, lamp post or neighbour’s house. This ensures everyone is accounted for and prevents anyone from going back inside.
Practise your plan
Walk through your escape plan with everyone in your household, including children. Practise at different times, including at night. The more familiar everyone is with the plan, the more likely you are to escape safely.
Planning for everyone
If you have young children
Teach children never to hide from fire of from firefighters. Practise your escape plan regularly and make it feel like a game so they’re not frightened. Make sure they know to get out and stay out, and never to go back inside for toys or pets.
If you’re older or have mobility issues
If you have difficulty moving quickly or use a walking aid or wheelchair, plan your escape carefully. Consider keeping a phone by your bed to call 999 if you can’t get out. Speak to your local fire and rescue service about a personal emergency evacuation plan tailored to your needs.
If you have a disability
If you’re deaf, hard of hearing, blind or partially sighted, specialist alarms and equipment can help you detect fire and escape safely. Contact your local fire and rescue service for advice on assistive technology and creating a personal escape plan.
If you live in a flat or maisonette
Know your building’s fire safety procedures. Is there a communal alarm? Where are the fire exits? Keep corridors and stairways clear. Never use lifts in a fire – always use the stairs. If you rent, your landlord should provide fire safety information.
What to do if a fire breaks out
If you discover a fire:
- get everyone out as quickly as possible
- don’t stop to collect belongings or investigate
- don’t tackle the fire yourself unless it’s very small and you have a clear escape route
- close doors behind you to slow the spread of fire and smoke
- call 999 once you’re safely outside – never assume someone else has called
If you’re escaping through smoke:
- crawl low under the smoke where the air is clearer
- cover your nose and mouth with a cloth if possible
- feel doors with the back of your hand before opening – if they’re warm, don’t open them
If you can’t escape:
- get into a room with a window and close the door
- block gaps under the door with bedding or towels
- open the window and call for help
- if you’re on an upper floor, don’t jump – wait for rescue
Never go back inside
Once you’re out, stay out. Never go back for possessions, pets or people. Tell the fire service immediately if anyone is missing.
After you’ve escaped
Once everyone is safely out and you’ve called 999:
- stay at your agreed meeting point
- don’t go back inside for any reason
- keep back from the building to allow emergency services access
- account for everyone – tell firefighters immediately if anyone is missing
- seek medical attention if anyone has been affected by smoke
Fire kills, but planning and preparation save lives.
Checklist
- walk through your home and identify escape routes from every room
- make sure all exits are clear of obstructions
- put keys in accessible places near the exits they fit
- agree on an outside meeting point with your household
- practice your escape plan with everyone, especially children
- consider the needs of anyone who may need extra help
- contact your local fire and rescue service for a free home fire safety visit
In the event of a fire, get out, stay out and call 999.
For advice specific to you and your home, complete your own home fire safety check.