Escape Plan

Every year 60,000 fires occur in the home - many of the deaths and injuries that happen could be prevented. Fire is something nobody likes to think about but it can happen to anyone.

• Think ahead, make a fire action plan so that you and everyone in your home knows what to do in the event of a fire. Take everyone into account when making your plan - it is important to think about any children, or older or disabled people who may need extra help to get out.
  
• Your best escape route is your normal way in and out of your home, but decide on a different route too, in case it is blocked. Keep all routes clear of anything that may hinder your escape.
  
• Get everyone involved in making your fire action plan. The more they know about the plan the better they will understand what to do if there is a fire. Visitors also need to know about your fire plan.
• Make sure everyone knows where door and window keys are kept. You can be safe as well as secure if you make sure that locked doors and windows can be opened easily from the inside. Make sure too that keys are easily available.
  
• Police advice is that keys should not be reachable from the outside through a window or door.
• In some circumstances it may be safer to stay put
  
• If you live higher than the first floor in your building, or find your escape route is blocked, it is safer to protect yourself, stay put and wait for the fire service to rescue you. If possible choose a room with an opening window and a telephone so you can call 999.
  
• Phone the fire service immediately Dial 999|