Escape plan

It's important to have an escape or evacuation plan in place, and to practise it with those you live with, so everyone in the household knows how to get outside to safety as quickly as possible.

These are the types of things you need to consider when planning your escape route:

• Your best escape route is your normal way in and out of your home, but think about other routes too, in case the main exit route is blocked.
• Make sure you know where keys to any doors or windows are, and ensure they are easily accessible.
• Keep all routes clear of clutter or anything that may hinder your escape, like excess furniture, rubbish, clothing or prams and bicycles.
• Make sure everyone in your home is awake and knows there is a fire - simply calling your child’s name is the best way to wake them up in an emergency. 
• Visitors need to know about your escape plan too. 
• Make sure you fit smoke alarms on each floor of your property, and test them once a week, so you're alerted if a fire does start.

Get everyone you live with involved in making your escape plan, and if you have children you could even turn it into a game - who can get out of the home in the safest and quickest way? The more your children know about the plan, the better they will understand what to do if there is a fire.