Fire escape plan

Your chances of escaping a fire successfully will improve if you have an effective plan of action (fire escape plan).

Fire escape plan

  • Draw up an escape plan so that everyone in the house knows what to do if the smoke alarm goes off during the night.

  • Establish your route out of the house.

  • Include alternative routes in case the way is blocked.

  • Make sure that everyone knows where to gather once they are out of the house .

If you are woken by your smoke alarm - stop, think, act !

  • Wake all the members of your family and make your way out together through the nearest exit.

  • Once outside call the fire and rescue service on 999 using the nearest means possible

  • Stay out of the house until the fire and rescue service tells you it is safe to return.

  • Remember the fire service motto: Get out, get the Fire Service out, stay out! 

As you escape, remember:

  • Don’t delay to save valuables or look for pets.

  • Don’t investigate the fire

  • Do crawl on the floor if there’s smoke – the air is cleaner near the floor. On the floor, put your nose as low as possible – remember, smoke is toxic and can kill you

  • As you go out, only open the doors you need to and close any open doors you can to slow the spread of the fire.

  • Feel doors with the back of your hand before you open them, if they’re warm, don’t open them – the fire is on the other side.

  • If you’re escaping with others, stay together if you can.


Last updated: Monday, 29 January 2024


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