Home > Our Services > Emergency Services > Fire safety in the home > What to do if there's a fire in your home

Escape Plan

Questions to Think About

  • Who's usually in the property?
  • How will they know if there's a fire?
  • If there are children who will help them? 
  • If there are elderly people, who will raise the alarm to them and help them? 
  • If there are people who can't see, hear or move around easily, who will help them?

Remember

  • Fire is fast – you have no time
  • Fire is dark – you can’t see
  • Fire is hot – you can’t breathe
  • If fire starts, shout to warn everyone in the house 
  • Get everyone out as quickly as you can. Don't stop for valuables. A life is worth more than the most valuable thing you own. 
  • Don't look for the fire. If you can, close the door of the room where the fire is to give you more time to get out.
  • Keep low down air is cleaner and cooler nearer the floor 
  • Practise with your family

Plan A

  • The first choice route of escape is always through the main door, and you should always close it once everyone is out.
  • Get everyone out as quickly as you can. Don't stop for valuables. A life is worth more than the most valuable thing you own.
  • Don't look for the fire. If you can, close the door of the room where the fire is to give you more time to get out.
  • Then call the Fire Brigade

Plan B

  • If it's not safe to leave by the main door, how else could you escape?
  • Is there another door you could use or a fire escape? 
  • Could you climb out of a ground floor window? 
  • Could you climb out of a first floor window onto a garage roof or extension and get down safely?

What if you can’t get out

If Plan A and B aren't safe, you'll need to shelter somewhere:

  • Choose a room with a phone and a window that opens.
  • Get everyone into one room. If possible, make it a room with a phone. This is your 'safe' room. But never open the door to a room if it's warm to touch.
  • When everyone's in the room, pack clothes, cushions, pillows or towels around the door to keep smoke out 
  • Open a window and shout until someone calls the Fire & Rescue Service. Stay at the open window
  • If you're on the first floor, you might be able to drop some pillows or cushions and then lower yourself from the windowsill. But only ever attempt this as a last resort
  • If there are two adults, one should go first to catch children. Pass them slowly and stretch full length before you let them go
  • No-one should ever jump
  • If you're on a higher floor, lean out of the window for fresh air until the fire-fighters arrive
  • Plan your escape route now