Make an escape plan

Would you and your family know what to do if you had a fire in your home at night?

It can be difficult to think clearly in an emergency. Having and practicing an escape plan will help you act quickly if there is a fire in your home. One day it could save your life. Follow the tips below on how to make an escape plan and our tips on making a bedtime fire safety check:

Your escape plan

Fire Kills make sure everyone knows the escape plan

when making your escape plan involve everyone who lives in your home, including lodgers
when you have made your plan make sure everyone understands it
practice your plan with everyone in your household
remind everyone of what to do on a regular basis in the event of a fire
you could put up a reminder of what to do in a fire somewhere where it will be seen regularly
if you have children you could put your address by the phone so that children can read it out to the emergency services

Choosing your escape route

Fire Kills make sure all exits are clear of obstructions

your usual way in and out of your home is the best escape route
always choose a second escape route in case your first choice is blocked
keep all exits clear of obstructions
think about any difficulties you may have getting out, for example you may need to use a torch at night
if there are children, older or disabled people or pets, plan how you will get them out

Take refuge in a safe place if you are unable to escape

the first priority is to get everyone out of the building - if you are unable to escape you will need to find a room to take refuge in
this is particularly important if experience difficulty in moving around or going downstairs in your own

Fire Kills get key smart

Be key smart

make sure everyone knows where the door and window keys are kept
keep the keys in the correct place at all times

Get into the habit of completing a bedtime check

close inside doors at night to stop a fire from spreading
check that the cooker is turned off
make sure that cigarettes have been put out properly – never smoke in bed
turn off and unplug electrical appliances -unless they are meant to be left on e.g. your freezer
turn heaters off and put up fireguards
keep exits clear
make sure all candles are out - never leave one burning when you go to sleep
turn off your electric blanket - unless it has been designed to be left on overnight and has a thermostat
never leave the washing machine, dishwasher or tumbler dryer running overnight

If you live in a flat remember the following when making your escape plan

Fire Kills never use the lift

the lift will be out of action if there is a fire – choose an escape route that does not require the lift
count how many doors there on the route to get to the stairs in case you can’t find your way
make sure the stairways and fire escapes are kept clear at all times and that fire doors are never locked
check that you can open the doors to the stairways or escapes from both sides on a regular basis