What to do if you have a fire at home - escape routes

Plan a safe escape

• Plan an escape route and make sure everyone knows how to get out
• Make sure exits are kept clear
• The best route is the normal way in and out of your home
• Plan a second route in case the first one is blocked
• Take a few minutes to practise your escape plan
• Review your plan if the layout of your home changes
• Keep door and window keys where everyone can find them
• If you – or anyone you live with – might find it difficult to escape quickly without assistance in an emergency, make extra plans to get them to safety, and book a free home safety visit for extra expert advice.

What to do if there is a fire in your home

• Don’t tackle fires yourself
• Keep calm and act quickly. Get everyone out as soon as possible
• Don’t waste time investigating what’s happened or rescuing valuables
• If there’s smoke, keep low where the air is clearer
• Before you open a door, check if it’s warm. If it is, don’t open it – fire is on the other side
• Call 999 as soon as you’re clear of the building. Get out, stay out, call the fire service

What to do if you can't get out

• If you can’t get out of the property, get everyone into one room, ideally with a window and a phone
• Close the door and put bedding around the bottom of the door to block out the smoke, then open the window and call “HELP, FIRE”
• If you have a phone with you, call 999 – be ready to describe where you are and the quickest way to reach you.
• If you’re on the ground or first floor, you may be able to escape through a window
• Use bedding to cushion your fall and lower yourself down carefully. Do not jump
• If you can’t open the window, break the glass in the bottom corner. Make jagged edges safe with a towel or blanket