Having an escape plan is a great way to help keep you safe from fire in your home. During an emergency you may need to act quickly. If you make an escape plan and practice it with the whole family, then you will be much more prepared if a fire occurs.
Making an escape plan
- The details of your escape plan will depend on your home, and the people you share it with
- Plan a main escape route: the best route is the normal way you come in and out of your home
- Plan a second route in case the first one is blocked – consider back/side doors and windows as a last resort
- Plan where to get keys to unlock doors and windows (keep keys to doors and windows where everyone in the home can find them)
- If you have additional security gates or shutters, plan to ensure they can be easily and quickly opened
- Your plan may need to include specific assistance for anyone in your home who might find it difficult to escape quickly on their own (e.g. people with reduced mobility)
- Have a meeting place outside and make sure everyone knows where it is
- Practice your escape plan regularly with everyone in the home
- Writing and/or making a sketch of your plan is a good idea
- Make sure everyone in your home understands what to do in the event of a fire. Remember to include visitors too
What if your escape route is blocked?
- If you can’t get out, get everyone into one room, ideally with a window and a phone. Close the door, and put bedding or any soft materials around the edge of the door to block smoke entering, then open the window and shout for help.
- If you have a phone with you, call 999 or 112 – be ready to describe where you are and the quickest way to reach you.