Making an escape plan

When a fire starts in a home, every second counts. The heat and smoke can create confusion and panic and deciding who should do what in the moment is not easy. Having an escape plan means that everyone can get out quickly and safely.   

It doesn’t take long to make an escape plan and it could save lives.  

If you need help planning one, consider getting a free home fire safety visit. We’ll help you in making your fire escape plan and give you information about fire alarms for your home.   

If a fire starts in your home, there are 3 steps that can save your life.   

1. Get out  
2. Never go back inside  
3. Call 999 as soon as you are safe to do so  

Your plan should involve how to exit safely and who should do what.

Identify if anyone will have difficulty escaping quickly without assistance and decide who should help them?

If you have children, who should make sure they are awake?   

No matter what steps your plan involves, everyone should practice the escape plan regularly.   

Having working smoke and heat alarms in your home will alert you to danger. Test them weekly to make sure they haven't developed a fault.   

Night time checks are a great routine to have. These include ensuring all the doors are closed and exits are clear. This will slow down the speed of the fire and means you can exit quickly in an emergency. 

Keep the door and window keys in the same place and make sure everyone knows where they are kept.    

We advise that you have more than one escape plan. Your first choice of escape is always through the main door. Your second could be using another door or window. If the main exit is blocked by fire, you have already planned out an alternative.  

Agree on a place everyone should meet outside the property. This can be a tree, gate, sign or street.  An agreed meeting place allows you to know who is safe.   

When you are out, stay out and call 999.  

If you can’t get out, find a safe place to remain and close the door. Packing clothes and blankets around the door will help to keep smoke out. 

Go to a window, shout for help and call 999.  

Trying to stay calm during a fire is difficult, but can save lives. Practicing your escape plan regularly is a great way to help with this. It will also help you get to safety more quickly.