Escape Plan
We aim to encourage all householders to consider how they would escape from a house fire by developing a Fire Action Plan. This Fire Action Plan should include:
- Identifying a number of practical escape routes.
- Installing a smoke alarm.
- Making sure everyone knows where door keys are kept.
- Keeping doors closed at night.
- Regularly conducting your own fire drill.
Think About
- How you would get out of the house if a fire started in any of your rooms?
- Are there any guests staying overnight who would not know what to do in the event of fire (your son or daughter's friends/relatives)?
- Are there any disabled or elderly persons in the house who need assistance to get out?
- Do you have a predetermined meeting place away from the house such as a phone box or a neighbours house where you can meet? People have been known to re-enter a burning house thinking that there is still someone inside even though they have already left.
- If you cannot get downstairs to escape, is there a bedroom which has an openable window from which you can drop from or gain access to a flat roof?
- If there is an openable window, does it have a lock fitted and can you easily open it without using to a key? If not where is the key? Keep it next to the window after ensuring that you can unlock the window with it. Is there a telephone in this room in case you are trapped and cannot get out the window?
- If you were to shout for help would any of your neighbours hear you (is the room to the front or the rear of your house)?
- If you can get downstairs how would you open your door? Do you need a key and if so where is it kept? Fatalities have occurred where occupants have been unable to get out of the house because they forgot where the door keys were placed. Always keep them near to the door and if possible mark you door key with a piece of tape or other marker so that you know by touch which key it is. That way you will be able to find it in the dark.
- The best way to protect your escape route from smoke and heat is to keep all room doors closed - particularly at night when the family is sleeping. Smoke will still reach your detector as a fire will build up pressure in a room and force it out through gaps (however small) around the door.
- Make sure that your planned escape route remains free of any obstructions and that there are no loose floor coverings that could trip you up.
- If you have a serious mobility difficulty you may wish to consider having your bedroom on the ground floor, if this is practical, and as near as possible to an exit. If you would need assistance to make your escape, it is vital that you have some means of summoning help by your bed, i.e. a buzzer, intercom or telephone.
- Fire action plans should be made for every building you and your family enter - be prepared to evacuate immediately. Whether at home, work or school, everyone should know what to do in the event of a fire. If a fire occurs in your home you may have to get out in dark and difficult conditions. Escaping from a fire will be a lot easier if you have already planned your escape route and know where to go.
- Install smoke alarms in every room if possible and check them regularly - they could save your life by giving you those precious extra few minutes in which to make your escape.
Once you have decided on your action plan, make sure everyone in the house understands it and knows what to do. Make your plan now before it is too late.