Fire Survival Guide
Fires take only a moment to start and within minutes your home can be filled with smoke. Smoke and fumes can kill - particularly the highly poisonous smoke from some furniture. You may only have a short time to get out. The following points are a guide on what to do if the worst should happen.
If Fire Breaks Out
- If you can safely do so, close the door of the room where the fire has started and close all other doors behind you. This will help delay the spread of smoke.
- Before opening a closed door, use the back of your hand to touch it. Don't open it if it feels warm - the fire will be on the other side.
- Alert everyone. Get everyone out as quickly as possible. Don't try to pick up valuables or possessions. Make your way out as safely as possible and try not to panic. Plan your escape route now so that this is as safe and easy as possible. Don't wait until a fire starts.
- Telephone the fire and Rescue Service on 999 from a mobile phone, a neighbours house or the nearest phone box.
- Never go back into your home until a fire officer has told you it is safe.
- Alert your neighbours so they can get to a safe distance too if neccesary.
If Your Escape Is Blocked By Fire
- Try to remain calm.
- Alert everyone and, if possible, gather everyone into one room (if possible one with a telephone or take a mobile phone with you).
- Don't open the door of a room if it feels warm when touched with the back of your hand If you are prevented from getting out because of flames or smoke, close the door nearest to the fire and use towels, pillows, cushions or clothing to block any gaps. This will help stop smoke spreading into the room.
- Go to the window. If the room becomes smoky, go down to floor level - it's easier to breathe because the smoke will rise upwards.
- Open the window, try to attract the attention of others who can alert the fire brigade. Wait for the fire brigade, they should arrive in a matter of minutes. Stay at the open window.
- If you are on the first floor it may be possible to lower yourself from the window sill to arm's length before dropping to the ground.
- If you are in immediate danger, drop cushions or bedding to the ground to break your fall from the window. Get out feet first and lower yourself to the full length of your arms before dropping.
- If there are two adults one should go first to catch children. Pass them down slowly, stretching to full length before letting go No one should ever jump.
- If you are trapped in a higher storey, lean out of the window for fresh air until the fire and Rescue Service arrives.