In the event of a fire, remember – time is the biggest enemy and every second counts! Escape plans help you get out of your home quickly. In less than 30 seconds a small flame can get completely out of control and turn into a major fire. It only takes minutes for a house to fill with thick black smoke and become engulfed in flames.

You should talk to everyone in your home about how you will get out if there is a fire. Make an escape plan for your house and put a reminder of what to do somewhere it’s easily and regularly seen – on the fridge door, for example.

runningman

Running man means of escape

Consider the following when forming your action plan

  • Know your escape route. The best escape route is your normal route in and out of the home
  • If possible plan two escape routes from each room.
  • Practice the plan until perfected.
  • Close all doors behind you as you leave.
  • The stairs are your primary escape route – keep them clear.
  • If your clothes catch fire – “Stop, Drop and Roll”.
  • Do not re-enter the house for any reason “Get Out and Stay Out!”.
  • Phone the fire brigade from a nearby outside phone.
  • Decide on a meeting point outside the house near where the fire brigade is likely to arrive.

 

In the event of a Fire

  • Wake everyone up, get everyone together and get everyone out.
  • Check doors with the back of your hand – if they are warm, don’t open them.
  • If there is a lot of smoke, crawl along on the floor.
  • If you have to break the window, cover the jagged glass with thick towels or bedding.
  • Throw some bedding out of the window to break your fall.
  • Don’t jump – lower yourself to arm’s length and drop to the ground.
  • Dial 112/999 from a mobile, a neighbour’s house or a phone box.
  • Never go back into the building.

exit

 

Remember: Get out, stay out.

Never go back into your home until told safe to do so by a Fire Officer

If you are trapped or can’t escape from a window…
If you can’t escape, you will need to find one room to take refuge in – this is particularly important if you have difficulty moving around or going down stairs on your own

  • Get everyone into one room and close the door.
  • Put bedding or towels along the bottom of the door to stop smoke getting in.
  • Open the window and stay near to it for fresh air and so the firefighters can see you.
  • Dial 999 or shout for help so that someone else can phone for you.

 

Practice your plan

planyourescapenowMake sure you have “walked through” the plan with everyone in your household. Regularly remind everyone of what to do and what not to do in a fire.