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