Escape Routes
A well-practised escape route plan could help save your life if a fire starts in your home. We recommend all households plan an escape route in case of emergencies. Think ahead, be prepared and keep your exits clear.
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
What to do if there is a fire in your home
- Don’t tackle fires yourself. Leave it to the fire service
- 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
- Put bedding around the bottom of the door to block out the smoke, then open the window and call “HELP, FIRE”
- 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