How to help plan a safe escape

Fitting smoke alarms is the first crucial step to protecting yourself from fire. But what would you do if one went off during the night?
This section will help you make a plan ready for an emergency.
Plan an escape route and make sure everyone knows how to escape.
Make sure exits are kept clear.
The best route is the normal way in and out of your home.
Think of 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.

Don’t tackle fires yourself. Leave it to the professionals.
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. 999 calls are free.

If you can’t get out, 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.
Call 999 then open the window and shout “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. Don’t jump.
If you can’t open the window break the glass in the bottom corner. Make jagged edges safe with a towel or blanket.

Make sure you, and everyone in your home, know the fire plan for your building and where fire alarms and fire exits are. As with all buildings, you should plan and practise an escape route.
Avoid using lifts and balconies if there is a fire.
It is easy to get confused in smoke, so count how many doors you need to go through to reach the stairs.
Check that your way out is clear and that there is nothing in the corridors or stairways that could catch fire – like boxes or rubbish.
Make sure doors to stairways are not locked.
You should still get smoke alarms for your own home, even if there is a warning system in the block.

You are more at risk from a fire when asleep. So it’s a good idea to check your home before you go to bed.

Close inside doors at night to stop a fire from spreading.
Turn off and unplug electrical appliances unless they are designed to be left on – like your freezer.
Check your cooker is turned off.
Don’t run appliances such as washing machines, tumble dryers and dishwashers overnight.
Turn heaters off and put-up fireguards.
Put candles and cigarettes out properly.
Make sure exits are kept clear.
Keep door and window keys where everyone can find them.